Posted by Calsious Shattoe on October 13, 2000 at 05:58:03:
13th October 1758
The Camp at Loyalhanna
My Dear Colonel Bouquet,
An Indian runner will deliver this hasty message to you. I am hoping you are are somewhere near this camp as you travel from Stoney Creek. By now you have probably received news of yesterday's battle. Sir, would that you would have been here, a great defeat could have been had. Albeit, Colonel Burd is stating that there was a great victory over the French and their savage allies, but with your presence and commands this colony would have been rid of the stinking soldiers in white and blue. Instead, our troops only pushed a few hundred French to the side and they will most likely be back.
But I continue with bad news. First, many of our lads have been broken and bloodied, especially several of the Highland Grenadiers and their Scouts who fought like Demons but caught the brunt of a brutal flanking attack. The Three Scouts attached to the 77th, Many Flags, Three Tales and Seamus have been wounded and lay dying. Their two cousins in the Grenadiers, Corporal MacWilliam and Private Gunn lay with them, seemingly taking their last breaths, wounded and torn. It is indeed a sad sight and strange in that their kin, two elderly Scotsman named Angus and Quasi stand near them along with a flock of sheep. There is also a lad, whom was lost on the trail several months ago, a John MacKay, who somehow appeared and fought like the Archangel Michael himself, against the savages, but alas, was also cut down. The scene is something out of a hellish faery tale. But, although these brave men lie dying, torn and bloody, I have yet other bad news, and with this news I resign my command as chief horseman of this expedition.
We have been together many years, dear Colonel, fighting together on the Continent when I was your Sargent of the cavalry. You know me well and you will understand that I no longer can hold my head high round you, when many of our horses were taken by moonlight last evening. Aye, Colonel, the French returned in the night and by moonlight stole most of the animals used for pack and wagon. Although I was not on watch, I take complete responsibility for this action and will await your word, whether my resignation is accepted or you wish to conduct a formal court martial.
I must go for as I write this I stand among the Highland Grenadiers, all in a depressed state as the death watch continues over their comrades. Each breath seems to be the last and I have been asked to assist the surgeon in removing a ball from the head of scout Seamus MacWilliam. We have also tried to staunch the blood from Many Flags, his lifeblood is almost gone and his appearance is already waxy and ghostlike. The others seem to take their last breath with each heaving of their breast, John MacKay being the worst.
Please consider my resignation. I am ashamed of such actions with regard to the stealing of my horse train. We await your arrival here at the stockade and this camp, for all are in need of your wise command.
Your Most Humble and Obed't Servant
Calsious Shatto