We See More of Penn's Woods and Look for Seamus

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: 26th May 1759
: Limestone Village Nearby the Chillisquaque

: Journal Entry:

: A few homes are gathered together in this valley near the Chillisquaque Creek.  The inhabitants call it the Limestone Village because of the outcroppings of rock which appear.  We stayed the night here, among the few cabins, having our evening meal with the blacksmith here named Max. 

: It was a sad leaving that both Many Flags and Three Tales took from their wives and family.  We left several days ago, moving north to the northern branch of the Susquehanna, meeting some relatives of Flags and Tales, the Sechler family, moving across the Susquehanna by ferry we stayed the evening with a provincial captain by the name of Daniel Montgomery.  However, he knew of no relationship with our Colonel of the 77th, Archibald Montgomery.  

: It was an easy day's journey then to Fort Bosley along the Chillisquaque, which flows through the valley now just south of us, and thence to this Village.  Along with Flags and Tales, traveling with us is Andrew Kuntz and William JohnsTon.  JohnsTon is marveling at this countryside, the valleys and streams, low mountains which are completely forested, the soil so rich. He has waxed a bit poetic, singing of spring and planting.  I believe he needs a woman to keep his mind off farming.  Course, he winks at me when he sings of plowing the furrow among the mounds and planting the seed, the sun peeping out behind the soft round hills....hmmmm!

: We leave this morning for the western  branch of the Susquehanna to then turn south to Fort Augusta.  We expect to meet Seamus and perhaps Uncle Quasi and Uncle Angus along the way.  If not, we must wait at Augusta until they arrive, for our trek to the Carolinas must be undertaken soon.

: We do not know what to expect at this Gathering that we have heard so much about.  It has been two years since we were last in that area, our Regiment having fought the Cherokee savages there in '57.  But, Captain Croy gave us his blessing for this trip and we expect to make the most of it.  We are a hardy band, our hearts are light, for we have been through so much sadness and adventure in the past year and six months since we set off from Fort Hunter on the Forbes Expedition.

: This country draws us all, and I know that brother Davey has written his Colleen to make passage to this colony to make a homestead here.  I am not so sure I can do that with my Maggie and the children.  Scotland still draws me back and although our enlistment can be ended soon, the soldier life has been all I have known since that fateful day at Culloden in 1745.  I have often thought of purchasing an officer's commission.

: The news is good of our armies in the north.  The French scum are on the run and I believe this may be the year when our troops may take the day, when once again these American colonies are under complete British rule.  I am not so sure that all the folk here are in support of that.  Oh, they surely do not want to be under the French thumb, but I hear more and more the words "independence and freedom" come from the lips of the colonists.  Even cousins Many Flags and Three Tales are often heard quietly speaking of "freedom from the British flag".  I do hope, with all my heart, that I never have to meet my cousins on the opposite side of the battlefield.

: And so we must move on.  On to this Gathering to meet others.  I will be interested to know of their thoughts on this colonial "independence", especially after the British crown has extended their coffers to the point of bankruptcy so that the French do not subjugate these colonials.

: Aye, on the move again with my comrades........

: God Save the King!  Pax Aye!

: Sgt. Malcolm Angus MacWilliam, 77th Reg't of Foote, Grenadier Company


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