Posted by Uncle Quasi on November 16, 2000 at 09:15:44:
November ye 16th, 1758
A Message to Many Flags
Allemangel, County of Berks
Colony of Pennsylvania
My dear Nephew Many Flags,
We have received your message by way of Sign Talker, who has found us, as you have surmised, at Seamus’s cabin, north of Monsey Creek and above the Loyalsock. My brother...and your uncle...Angus and I are very happy to hear your news. We wish you well in your marriage to the lovely Magdelena Guttshall. She is, indeed, a lovely young woman, whom I am sure will bear you many strong, fine children! We also were pleased to hear that your cabin will be next to Three Tales’ land. Your brother, Robert has an Inn, you say? I must be sure to travel to Northamptontown and sample the delights there at my first opportunity. I am always on the lookout for “uncharted” waters, as the sailors say!
Now I must bring you up to date with Seamus.
After we left the Loyalhanna, we laid in the woods for a week until we had stabilized his bleeding and the wound began to close some. Removing that musket ball allowed his natural processes to begin their work, and frequent doses of the amber liquid and applications of several types of poultices worked wonders. His wound did not, at any time, start to putrify. Within a few days the oozing stopped and a scab began to form. I am afraid he will always have a rather large hole, though, where the ball pierced his skull. He will have to be very careful if he ever does regain any semblance of normality.
His fighting days are over for sure, whatever happens.
Seamus laid unconscious for several weeks, and as we made our way here, we were very concerned that he may never come out of it. At night Mother Ewe and several of the other sheep would curl in next to him and keep him warm and comfortable. As the days passed his color returned, and his breathing seemed to be stronger. Both are very good signs.
We arrived here about three weeks ago, and placed Seamus in his bed where he can get the full warmth from the fireplace, and have been tending to him ever since. Angus goes to the woods at night with the flock, and I stay here. We were fortunate to take a fat doe in Seamus‘s orchard, and have been giving him a broth of venison and some herbs, and he has been getting stronger from it.
Flags, Angus was here with me when Sign Talker arrived with your message, and as I read it aloud, Angus said Seamus’s mouth curled slightly and he swears he saw a slight grin! I hope with all my being that this is so! The lad has yet to utter a sound or make any movement at all. Perhaps he is about to do so...we can only hope and pray. In the meantime, we will continue giving him the amber liquid and broths.
We will keep you informed, Flags, and, please, do try to come for the hunt you spoke of. It would do Seamus much good to hear your voice and feel your presence.
Pax Aye!!
Uncle Quasi