Posted by Many Flags on July 17, 2000 at 12:07:21:
The 17th Day of July, 1758
Somewhere in the Great Woods of the Colony of New York.
To our Kinsmen and Friends of the 77th Reg't of Foot, Grenadiers.
It is with heavy hearts that we write to you. We met with Cousin Seamus last evening so we know that you are aware of the terrible defeat of the British forces at the French Fort Carillon. Words do not come to myself or Three Tales to describe the carnage which occurred and the utter helplessness that is felt by all of those who were witness and paticipants in that ill fated attack. Seamus has described it to you. I have no stomach to relive it.
Tales and I have never had qualms in destroying enemies. We are men of action, but also solitary men who have no need of society with the "civilized ones". We said our farewells to Seamus and Timothy last evening and are headed to wherever our trails take us. As scouts on this expedition, we did our duty during the battle and when we were ordered to take sight and shoot the French at 200 or more yards away, we did that. It takes less to shoot the enemy French than it does to take a rabbit or quail for food, this the Great Spirit of our Lenape brothers understands.
Gott in Himmel! Three Tales and I must become as one with the Great Woods again, to wash our minds, our whole being, of such white man folly. The ways of our Lenape brothers are looked on as savage. Would that only the white man could really understand what they do.
Our kinship with all of you, our love for our women - Magdalena and Two Bottle - , all this means nothing at this time; for no one can be closer than two brothers who are one in mind and spirit. We traveled today through the Great Woods of the north, with no words, at times finding a quiet spot beside a stream to drink and eat sustenance from our bags, only to continue on quietly. All our communication has been in sign, after the days of battle, days of endless movement of thousands of men, days of clashing of weapons and blasting of guns, days and nights of screams and moans,....this day of quiet has been the beginning of cleansing for Three Tales and myself.
We do not know how long we will be gone. We have no attachment to any army or any man, our movements are for us to know only. It may be days, or weeks until brother Tales and I can come back among the living and smile again, to laugh again, to be with the "civilized" again. We have sent this message to you through our Lenape brother Keeper of Beech Lodge, who was with us at the French Fort. We have asked Keeper of Beech Lodge to deliver this message and to deliver us an answer from the 77th as to your whereabouts. Within a fortnight, Tales and I may have cleansed our minds of what we have witnessed and be able to join your unit once again as scouts, if Colonel Bouquet will have us.
Until then, we silently reflect on all we have seen....
Pax Aye!
Cousins Many Flags and Three Tales