| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SgtMunro |
Posted - April 04 2005 : 3:46:28 PM
“Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum” (Part Two) By Sgt. Munro
Fort Pitt, The Ohio Country
12 August 1764 / 0900 Hours
The garrison of Fort Pitt has continued working at a fevered pace, to ready themselves for the forthcoming campaign. Word had arrived that Colonel Bouquet is near Fort Loudoun, marching westward with the rest of the army. Even though that dispatch was to be secreted by the post commandant and his staff, rumors still have a way of leaking out to the lowest of private soldiers. The men now know that the invasion is imminent, and that their work was to be of purpose.
The men of Graham’s Company, 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, were standing in line near the post armory. Today, they were to turn-in their old firelocks for the improved 1756 Pattern. One by one, each soldier stepped forward and surrendered his 1742 Pattern Land-Service Firelock, and was issued his new weapon.
Looking at the metal rammer, Private Stewart noted, “Well this is an obvious improvement.”
Private MacDougal then said to him, “Aye Charles, we had these issued to us in the 27th Foote, prior to our arrival in the Windward Islands. You will find that the iron rammer is of better service than the old wooden one, and that the weapon is a wee better balanced overall, as well.”
Private MacDonald the Elder added, “This stock appears to be more slender. My God, how do they expect you to club a man over the head with it?”
Corporal MacIntyre answered, “Donald, this is the Age of Reason after all, and warfare is conducted in a more ‘scientific’ manner. There nae be room for ‘clubbing’ in the modern army; we prefer a more humane approach, with the use of the bayonet.”
As Sergeant Munro finished issuing the new firelocks to the private soldiers, Captain Graham said to him, “Alright Sergeant, now for your firelock.”
Munro cradled his own 1742 Pattern musket, it had been with him from the time of his enlistment and he was sad to see it leave his side. Looking over the many scratches and dings in the stock, and the scars of hard service on the lock and barrel, Sergeant Munro turned to his captain, and handed over his old friend. As a last plea, he said, “Sir, the old lass still has some life in her. Must I…”
“Yes Sergeant, you must.”
“What will become of her?”
“The Pattern 1742’s are to be turned-over to colonial magazines, for the use of provincial soldiers. This lot is destined for New Jersey Colony.”
Ensign MacMillan then issued Sergeant Munro his new weapon, the Pattern 1756 Artillery Carbine-Bore Firelock, which was standard issue for the 42nd’s Light Infantry Company, and now for all sergeants of line, grenadier and light companies. Looking at the weapon, Munro was surprised at how short the barrel and overall length was. Somewhat dismayed by the reduced bore diameter, he asked, “This weapon is so slight, and of small bore, I do believe my wife could handle it.”
Smiling, Captain Graham chided him with, “Remember Duncan, it is not the size that matters, but what you do with it.”
At the other end of the parade ground, Captain David Hay, of the Royal Artillery, was inspecting some the field pieces to be used in the campaign. Each gun crew was standing by their 6-pound brass field piece; in addition to this battery, Captain Hay also had taken charge of the two 3-pound battalion guns of the 60th Royal American Regiment. As he stopped and looked-over each gun and crew, he would make suggestions for improvement. Not an overbearing tyrant, Captain Hay was more of a professional technician, well skilled in the mechanics of effective artillery use.
Stopping by Gun Number 4, Captain Hay completed his inspection with, “Bombardier Fusia, you will see that your limbers are filled with prepared rounds of canister as well as round shot. We will be conducting live-fire practice over the Monongahela later today.”
“Yes sir, the laboratory crew is working on that now, sir.”
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