| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - February 14 2005 : 4:00:53 PM
“The Go-Betweens” (Part Four) By Sgt. Munro
Fort Bedford, Pennsylvania Colony
11 June 1764 / 1400 Hours
Captain Michael Schloss and his Pennsylvanians, marched wearily back into the fort. After ten days of tracking yet another war party, their frustration level was only exceeded by their fatigue. Yet another murder on the frontier, and once again the raiders slipped back over the mountains. This was the third such in as many weeks, and Captain Schloss was starting to wonder when his luck would change for the better.
“Captain Schloss…”
Turning, he saw Captain Stirling of the 42nd Royal Highlanders approaching. Stirling then handed him a sealed dispatch, saying “This arrived for you, from your Colonel Burd, while you were out.”
“Thank you, Herr Captain.” Captain Schloss said, with a tip of his hat.
Once in his quarters, Captain Schloss opened the sealed document, and read the contents:
Colonel James Burd
Headquarters
The Pennsylvania Regiment
Fort Hunter
Captain Schloss,
In accordance with the orders set forth by Colonel Bouquet, Commander of the 60th Royal American Regiment and Commander of the Southern Military District of North America; as well as our own Governor John Penn, you and your detachment are herby ordered to march to Fort Pitt. You are to depart from your present post, no later than the 20th of this instant.
Once at Fort Pitt, you and your detachment will make preparations to receive the Pennsylvania Troops earmarked for the coming campaign. You will also attempt to collect whatever intelligence you deem necessary for the safety of our men. Lieutenant Piper and his Light Horse have also been ordered to Fort Pitt, and will be at your disposal. Captain Lem will take charge of his company, and await the arrival of the expedition’s main body, enroute from Carlisle.
As before Michael, I have the utmost faith in you and your qualities. I wish you God speed, and safe journey.
I Remain,
Your Most Humble & Obedient Servant,
James Burd
Colonel, The Pennsylvania Regiment
Captain Michael Schloss at Fort Bedford
“Gottverdammung es!” Captain Schloss muttered, as he folded the letter. Continuing, he said, “I am needed here, the people of the Colony depend on their soldiers. Being shuffled around Penn’s Woods, how can one expect me to finish anything?”
Composing himself, he walked from his office and called out, “Corporal Dammer!”
Within a minute, Corporal Dammer ran to his commander. Coming to a halt, with his firelock at ‘The Recover’, he said, “Mein Captain, I report as ordered.”
Returning the salute, Captain Schloss then said, “Corporal, gather our men and have them ready for a march to Fort Pitt. We leave tomorrow.”
“Ja, Mein Captain.”
“And Corporal, please have Captain Lem report to me. That is all, dismissed.”
“Ja, Mein Captain.” With that, Corporal Dammer once again saluted and departed.
Returning to his office, Captain Schloss sat down and poured a glass of Port Wine from his traveling chest. As disgusted as he was with his present orders, Captain Schloss realized that the only way to prevent more raids is to hit the raiders where they live. This was the logic explained to him before by his friend and mentor, Lieutenant-Colonel John Armstrong, back in 1756.
…Later that afternoon, at the village of Kaskaskunk:
Francis Cooper led his party from the trail to the village entrance. Bayonets were fixed, drums rolled and the King’s Colors fluttered proudly in the summer breeze. Ordering his column to halt, Cooper and Killbuck then stepped forward to be greeted by the awaiting village representatives. Thomas Thacher stayed back to watch ‘a master at work’, since he knew that the ceremony now started would help set the tone for the upcoming conference.
Nettawatwees was the first to speak, “Awassolepo neneaway, Wahcanaquah Sachem. Ockeepotetho?” (I’m glad to see you, White Sachem |
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