Posted by Malcolm A. MacWilliam, 77th Grenadiers on February 04, 2001 at 09:49:19:
4th February 1759
Fort Bedford at Reastown
To my dear Maggie, in Caithness,
It has been several months since I have sent you a letter. My dear, how are the wee Bairns? I expect my son to be growing into a fine little boy and my daughters, ahh, with their fair MacWilliam hair and bright eyes, how I miss them, along with you my dear wife!
We are in winter quarters at Bedford which is about midway between Fort Pitt and Philadelphia. A great bit of news I have to share with you. One of our Sargents, big John Watson, was sent west of the Ohio River on reconnaissance with some Rangers almost a year ago. Sgt. Watson has not returned although Capt. Croy received news of him once in a while, Watson negotiating with native tribes and running with these Rangers as they gathered information on the enemy French. A few days ago, a message was received by Capt. Croy from Sgt.Watson which stated that he would be detained longer, Watson receiving special orders from one of our Generals that he should continue to train the Rangers and a few other Highlanders attached to him.
Our Grenadier company has thus been without a second sargent for almost a year's time, and no solution in sight. Yesterday morning during formation, I received an honor. Called to the front of our Grenadier Company, Capt Croy threaded a Sargent's sash through my epaulete and tied it off. With cheers of huzzah from my comrades, he promoted me from Corporal to Sargent. My thanks, my humbleness was overflowing at being given such an honor.
I immediately went to the paymaster and took out my next two month's pay, then visited a tailor in Reastown, the name of Johann Brandt. 1st SGt. Campbell accompanied me, explaining what materials, lace and buttons would be needed for my Sgt's regimental. Mr. Brandt gave a list of materials and the two month's pay which I had taken out, and ordered his apprentice to travel to Philadelphia to select the materials, lace and buttons needed.
My dear Maggie, it will be several months until the vestiges of my new rank will be completed by Mr.Brandt, but words cannot express the honor I have to serve my regiment and my comrades in this new capacity. It will also mean a slight increase in my pay, so be assured, although I used two month's of my future pay, my increase will offset this.
I met with Capt. Croy and Sgt. Campbell this morning after Divine Services (I may now call him by his Christian name Silas, ahhh, of the same rank as a Campbell and a first name basis, I am!). As a Sargent, I am now privy to knowledges of our movements and plans. It seems that soldiers are needed to head south to Fort Frederick in MaryLand, much as was done last year when we aided the Patuxents in fighting off the savages in that area. Capt.Croy will be heading the expedition, so our Grenadier Company will travel to Ft. Frederick, we believe when the thaw occurs, probably April. From there, several volunteers will be needed to head further south to the Carolinas, and reconnoiter among the Cherokee. A small group is needed for this expedition, so I have volunteered and am thinking of William JohnsTon and Brother Davey Gunn to accompany me on this trip to these Carolinas. I have asked Capt. Croy if cousins Many Flags, Three Tales and Seamus could also accompany me on this expedition to the Carolinas and he had assented.
That is the news from Fort Bedford at Reastown, dear Maggie. Your husband Malcolm has become a Sargent and I am off to Fort Frederick and the wilds of Carolina come spring. Life is good here at the Fort, the local folks keeping us well fed. Although we believe we may have some snow this evening, it is not as cold as it was a few weeks ago. Kiss our children for their father. I know not when I will see the dear shores of Scotland, but one day we will again be together.
My Love to You.
Your Sargent Husband, Malcolm Angus MacWilliam, 77th Highland Grenadiers