Posted by Corporal M.A. MacWilliam on October 19, 2000 at 09:17:26:
19th October, 1758
Highland Camp at the Loyalhanna
Journal Entry:
This morning, I got myself up and moving for the first since wounded a week ago during the Battle. Brother Gunn and I had talked last evening when we heard that Colonel Bouquet had arrived at the stockade. Davey has been up and about for a few days and his strength was an inspiration to me. So, this morning we both approached Captain Croy's tent with the intent of asking to be assigned once again to duties. The 1st Sgt.'s good wife has mended my uniform where it had been ripped and slashed during the battle. My worst wound is in my left thigh where a ball went through the flesh, but ruined no muscle or sinew. I am sore and discolored, but I knew it time to be an example for what remains of our company.
Captain Croy, Lieut. Campbell and 1st Sgt. Campbell were speaking with one another as we approached the Captain's Tent. He bade us to sit, which we, of course, refused. But, the Captain being the Captain, soon Davey and I were sitting as our three officers stood. We begged pardon of the officers and stated that having recovered enough from our wounds, we wished to be about the Grenadier business. Captain asked us about our wounds, examined some of the dressing on my thigh and observed Davey's wounds. He then shook our hands and with a smile he ordered, "Corporal MacWilliam, Private Gunn, to your duties! Dismissed!" We Highlanders are blessed with our own Highland officers who treat us in a familiar way, unlike other regiments whose officers are uppity English.
We have heard through rumours that Calsious Shattoe has been seen by Colonel Bouquet. Loud words were heard from the officers' hut within the stockade and the worst was feared, that our good friend Shattoe would be court-martialed and flogged for the loss of most of the horses last week. However, when the door opened, Bouquet had his hand on Shattoe's shoulder, they were toasting with a gill of rum, and conversing in French, this being the Colonel's native tongue, he being Swiss. It is to be remembered that Shattoe was once Bouquet's Sargent of the Horse Guard when they fought the European Wars and it has been said that Shattoe saved Bouquet's life not just once, but three times!
Davey and I fear for Seamus's life. Uncle Quasi hangs over him and will not leave his side, at times putting the amber liquid to his lips. Shattoe and the surgeon continue to have heated words, but in the meantime poor Seamus suffers and loses ground. Would be that a decision could be made on removing the cursed French ball from the skull of our dear cousin.
In addition to our wounds healing, so have our cousins Flags and Tales. After Uncle Quasi's amber liquid began to take hold, both Flags and Tales made miraculous recoveries. Many Flags' lifeblood seemed to rejuvenate and by yesterday he and Tales were hobbling about. I have seen Many Flags and Three Tales conversing quietly the past few hours and I fear that they will soon leave. I understand their jaundiced outlook on battle and war, they have expressed to Davey and I many times that they wish only to go back to their family and sweethearts and farm or hunt or roam, wherever the Spirit may lead them without bloodshed and sorrow. Albeit, Davey and I are soldiers and will remain with our regiment until our mustering out. It is our duty to God, King, and comrades. But Flags and Tales are not soldiers, although they fight like savage Demons when in battle. I would wish no one else by my side, but these three battle-scarred cousins of mine and my brother, in addition to, of course, my comrades JohnsTon, MacGregor, and the other Highland Grenadiers.
So, enough for today. To my duties, the Captain ordered. So be it. I feel fitter as the hours fleet by. I have my men to see to!
Pax Aye! God Save the King! God help cousin Seamus!!
Cpl. Malcolm Angus MacWilliam, Montgomery's Highlanders, Gren Coy