Re: Seamus...the Doctor replies.....

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Comments:
: : : : That's enough to curdle milk!  And I was just about to have
: : : : lunch...

: : : : : 22 January 1759     

: : : : : Col. James Burd 

: : : : : Commanding 

: : : : : 3rd Bn PA Reg't 

: : : : : The Augusta Reg't 

: : : : : Ft. Augusta 

: : : : : Sir: 

: : : : : I was to the Loyalsock country this week to examine your Scout Seamus MacWilliam as per your request. I am pleased to report that he is progessing well in the recovery from his severe head wound suffered at Ligonier. The enclosed likeness was made by the artist, Andrew Kuntz, when the scout Many Flags and his party were hunting at Seamus's cabin in December. The wound, in his forehead, is closing nicely, as is visible in this image. At times he appears to be quite normal, and at other times he shows definite brain damage. He still occasionally uses a drool cup, but is gradually gaining the control of his functions. The liberal applications of an amber liquid taken frequently seem to induce healing in a rather mysterious manner. I have not seen the likes of it before. 

: : : : : He is tended by a Hunchback, a herd of sheep, particularly a large ewe, and a strange, elusive Scotsman who see that he is given the liquid as often as he will take it. A pretty dark haired lass attends to his needs and keeps the rather small cabin clean and orderly. 

: : : : : It is my prognosis that he will, indeed, recover fully from this wound, which would have killed most men instantly. Why it did not, I have no clue. 

: : : : : In my opinion, he will be ready for duty within two months, if he continues to improve as he has been. 

: : : : : I am, and remain, 

: : : : : Your Honor's Most Humble and Obd't Servant, 

: : : : : Dr. Ebenezer Snodgrass 

: : : : : Surgeon, Ft. Augusta

: : : 
: : : That is NOT I repeat NOT how I pictured Seamus. 
: : : Christina

: 
: : 28 January 1759
: : Ft. Augusta
: : in the forks of the Susquehanna

: : Dear Miss Christina,

: : I understand the shock, surprise, and disappointment often experienced at first seeing the effects of terrible wounds on human beings, particularly on people whom one has perceived as vibrant and in the prime of life. Young Andrew's likeness is, indeed, accurate...for the moment. 

: : Many battle wounds are much more severe than his, resulting in horrible disfigurement. The nature and treatment of gunshot wounds is not a pleasant subject to discuss, and tactfully, should not be discussed with a lady such as yourself.
: :  
: : I will assure you that this state we currently find Seamus in will fade with time, and should produce no more of the seizures which have afflicted him. In a few weeks he will be the same old Seamus you have come to know, and there should not be any indication that he ever was so seriously injured. As a physician, I cannot explain his recovery...or SURVIVAL, for that matter. I have to attribute it to the mysterious amber liquid which has been so liberally applied, and to the loving care of the dark haired lass who attends him. I also understand there is a story being told around...I have heard it here at Ft. Augusta...of his being visited by a spectre. This spectre is said to be of a young lad, a grenadier of the 77th, Montgomery's, who was killed at Ligonier just before Seamus and his cousins were wounded. The story says that Seamus was brought from his comatose state when the spectre kissed him on the forehead, right on the wound, which began to heal at once, according to those who attend him.

: : This story of the spectre may well, indeed, be true. I have already seen many unexplained, or unexplainable, things in medicine....Seamus's case is not the first.

: : Be assured, my lady, that he is recovering quite rapidly, and will be totally unaffected when his recovery is complete.

: : I hope my reply has brought you some relief, Miss Christina. Pleas write to me here at Ft. Augusta should you have further questions or concerns.

: : I am, and remain,

: : Your Most Obedient and HUmble Servant,

: : Dr. Ebenezer Snodgrass
: : Surgeon
: : 3rd Battalion Pennsylvania
: : The Augusta Regiment

: 
: Dr. Snodgrass,
: thank you for your kind response and explanation. Having imagined Seamus as a fine strapping lad from earlier installments, you must realize my concern at seeing his altered appearance. Hopefully he will improve over time. I have a young Scottish woman friend who would like to know if would be appropriate to send her friendly Huron messenger to Seamus' cabin with some healing gifts for he and the dark-haired lass. Perhaps some squeezins would help his recovery. And this spectre sounds very interesting...although if it shows up this young lady, Red, might dive under the nearest woodpile. She is a brave Celtic lass but deeply afraid of those that inhabit the spirit world!
: With all respect and best wishes,
: Christina



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