Posted by Corporal Malcolm A. MacWilliam on June 27, 2000 at 07:57:30:
June 21, 1758
Fort Lyttleton
Cpl. Malcolm A. MacWm., 77th Grenadier Company
Arriving at Fort Lyttleton last evening, I was asked by 1st Sgt. Campbell how my journal entries were coming. I had to admit to him I had not written an account of this journey in a fortnight, so I take quill in hand this morning before assembly to make account of our movements.
Cousins Many Flags and Three Tales are back on the trail. As Scouts, I believe they call themselves longhunters, they come and go as they please, although the Captain dislikes this, he not understanding their independent nature. I understand through a Cherokee scout named Many Faces that Flags and Tales have moved north to meet with cousin Seamus to a French held Fort - Carillon. Many troops have converged there to remove the French from that area. Our own brothers of the 42nd have been ordered there, according to Capt. Croy. May St. Andrew be with them and give them victory!
Speaking of Scouts, we have met a provincial Scout who has attached himself to our company. Arriving here in Lyttleton, we were serenaded last evening by a man with the name of Lee Wolf. Mr. Wolf knows wondrous music and words, he will keep us entertained as we continue our travels from here through the wilderness of Pennsylvania, but us Scots, we believe he should learn some of our Highland songs, to be sung in Gaelic. Horseman Shattoe and brother Gunn quite enjoyed themselves last night after our arrival here, listening to Minstrel Wolf's melodies..."So, let the rum flow and the ladies dance!"
Fort Lyttleton is named for Lord Lyttleton who was once Chancellor of the Exchequer for the King. It was built by a George Croghan three years ago and refitted last year. It is about 100 feet square, a wooden stockade with a bastion in each corner. Three dwellings are located within, a storehouse, an officer's cabin, and an open cabin for soldiers to sleep or have mess. It has seen much action in the past few years, having been commanded by Capt. Hamilton and Lieut. Schneider. They are competent officers albit provincials, roughcut, knowing little drill, yet able to command the approximate 75 men of the Pennsylvania Battalion
The march here was uneventful although it took more than one day, being only a 15 mile march. Finding the trail almost impassable because of deadfalls and huge water ruts from Spring storms, Col. Bouquet ordered provincial troops to repair the road, a one day journey turned into three. Several cabins and small plantations were passed on the way. However, they were deserted, the inhabitants in fear of the constant danger from savages. Our own Indian scouts, many of them from the south, Cherokees, brothers to Many Faces, are very suspicious of these woods and constantly take off at a run in groups of three or four to be watchful on our flanks, ahead and behind. This area has had much action from savages in the past three years. Minstrel Wolf reported to us last evening that just a few months ago several war parties of Delaware and Shawnee raided to the east of here killing several people and taking more than 20 persons, women and children, hostage.
We are to be at this Fort for several days, then move on west to a settlement named Raystown. Colonel Bouquet moved toward there yesterday with the Royal Americans. They are to widen the road to make it passable for the baggage. We will move up to their position in a few days. One other note, Sign Talker returned last evening from a bartering trip (he returned with many goods which he has already begun to trade for others) and I have asked Capt. Croy if Sign Talker can act as messenger between our cousins headed to this French Fort of Carillon, called Ticonderoga by our officers. The Captain has given his leave for this and Sign Talker is to leave this afternoon to scout for our cousins' trail. He is anxious to go so he can find "other trading grounds and bartering opportunities".
I must close this entry. There is a commotion at the gate. It seems that one of our Cherokee scouts coming in from the north has found a message nailed to a tree from the truant Recruit John MacKay who now travels with my Uncle Angus. What a curious story this is and will take a full journal entry to relate at some point. Drummer Armstrong has begun to beat assembly, I must take my Corporal's position with fixed bayonet at the recover to be marker for the ranks.
God Save the King and a Pax Aye for Clan Gunn!
Malolm Angus MacWilliam
Corporal in His Majesty's 77th of Foot, Gren Coy