Posted by Pvt. Chauncey on May 21, 2001 at 19:06:18:
My Dear Friend Seamus,
Thank you so much for your letter. It reached me here at Rogers' Island, and I cannot tell you how pleased, nay, relieved I was to receive it. With mixed emotions I read about your trials and your wounds. Such sadness to know of the dreadful events you shared with me and the loss of so many brave men of the 77th. I must say, all the Highlanders and Scotsmen continue to prove themselves exceedingly brave against the worst odds. After attempting to rush the acclivity at Fort Tyconderoga and now this, both to their great loss.
But such happiness that you have recovered from your wounds. If ever one earned the sobriquet of "Hard headed", it must be you!! And such wonderful news that Many Flags is promoted and married, and that you are home with your dear heart, Nancy. I wish you will convey my best wishes to all of the MacWilliam clan.
Seamus, I must share with you a most interesting coincidence. I received a letter from my own sister just today. She had been traveling, visiting friends in Virginia (a much more dangerous expedition than I would have advised, but I am yet the little brother and does she listen? I think not.). During her return, she passed through the great Market Faire at Fort Frederick, being an inveterate Buyer of New Gowns. She wrote me of this because she learned that the regiment of my friend Malcolm was at the Fort, having viewed the camp within the fort walls. She wrote that she had had the good fortune to meet him very briefly, as she was dining with Col. Armstrong within the Fort barracks. I gather she and the Col. have Connections (which she did not elaborate on, but one wonders about these things, if you understand my meaning).
Well, she mentioned it to me because she knew of my friendship with Malcolm after last summer's season, and she knew I would be interested in hearing that he was appearing hale and hearty. I am, of course, thinking you might have been there too, but she says she did not enquire. I believe the Col. had good port at the table, which would divert my sister excessively. She said she sat to his right at the table, as the Colonel's guest of honor. Should you have been there, I hope you will forgive her for her unwitting rudeness in not looking out for you.
As for the Rangers, we have been drilling and scouting of late. We were nearly caught by a few Indians in a declivity southwest of Fort Ste. Frederic but managed to hold them off with our greater numbers, regained the high ground, and returned with a captive. Otherwise, it has been calm.
Take care, my friend, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
YHOS, as always,
Chauncey
