Messages Abound....and We Learn of Grant's Defeat

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: ye 18th September  1758
: Camp at Loyalhanna

: Journal Entry:

: I enclose three messages to act as references to this journal.  Two messages from my cousins Many Flags and Seamus who witnessed and were involved in what is now being called Grant's Defeat which occurred on the 14th of this month, and the other message from our young Highland Comrade, Wee John MacKay who now spends his time with our elusive Uncle Angus.

: These messages will tell the story of the terrible slaughter and defeat of our Highland forces at the hands of the French and their savage allies at Fort Duquesne.  My heart being heavy with the losses of our Highland brethern, I can write nothing of this, the messages speak for themselves.  

: Much else is afoot.  With Grant's defeat now in the past, an onslaught here at this stockade is expected within days.  The wounded and those others who escaped from the French at Duquesne have been straggling in, yet we have seen nothing of cousins Flags, Tales or Seamus.  We can only hope and pray that they are still alive after they protected the retreat of our defeated army.

: Our officers, Colonel Bouquet included, are sick at heart at the loss of so many good soldiers and the capture of Grant and others.  Col. Bouquet is drafting a letter to the commander of Duquesne, one Governor De Ligneris, asking for the exchange of prisoners, so that the officers of the 77th Hat companies: Captains Munro, MacKenzie, and MacDonald; Lieuts. MacKenzies (the three of them), Campbell, and MacDonald, along with Major Grant....can be returned to our ranks.  Low grumblings can be heard from our ranks concerning Major Grant's decisions on the field and the aftermath of his actions. However, Capt. Croy immediately ended this with stern words and the men have kept their thoughts to themselves.

: We understand that General Forbes has finally arrived at Reastown and has ordered the Virginian Colonel Washington to march his troops immediately to our aid.  We expect the remainder of our 77th troops to be arriving soon from Reastown along with many other troops, Washington's Virginian provincials included, to strengthen our numbers here in expectation of a French attack.

: This stockade, fortified so well with cannon and coehorns which have now been placed, with abatis, ravelins, is an engineering dream.  We expect a French attack to be defeated in light of the strength of this stockade.

: As for John MacKay's message, Captain Croy is thinking on meeting with the lad and what punishments may be doled out to him.  Can it be termed desertion when we know MacKay to be in the company of Uncle Angus, who continually helps our cause.  The Captain must make this decision.

: I close for I am to take the next watch with my company of grenadiers. I pray that St. Andrew will protect our cousins and bring them safely to this camp to aid us in the expected forthcoming French attack.  We are wary!

: God Save the King!

: Cpl. MacWm., 77th Grenadiers


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