Posted by Davey Gunn on December 06, 2000 at 19:44:05:
December 6th, 1758
One day out from Raestown
Western Frontier of the Pennsylvania Colony
The lads are talking of the warm cabins, hot buttered rum, and roasted turkey for the first meal at Raestown. We should have only one more night in the cold before reaching winter quarters tomorrow. We crossed the last ridge today, and can see the next in the distance, but we are told the town is at the foot of that ridge. We are quite anxious to get this march finished. Some of the lad's kits are lacking the necessities for even the least of comforts. Our shoes are mostly worn out and the hose are all but falling off our feet.
Malcolm and Sergeant Campbell shot two turkeys and three quail today, and we all agreed to save the turkeys for tomorrow when we will be indoors and able to prepare them extra special. I hope there is sufficient other foodstuffs to compliment the two birds in the town. It would be wonderful to have fresh bread, onions and potatoes, and maybe a carrot or two to put with them.
Then there's the promise of the hot buttered rum we have been promised. This all may lead to a frenzied lot. We may try out the new jail that we have been told has been built in preperation for our arrival. These colonists have little sense of humour, and the presence of enjoying oneself to the fullest. We will have to teach them a thing or two, and have some long awaited joy of our own. Afterall, Christmas is but a few weeks away, and the joy of the season will seem much more pleasant being in from the cold.
St. Andrew has led us to warm cabins again, and we are very thankful.
Davey Gunn, pvt 77th Grenadier Company