A Letter to Colleen

Name    : 
E-Mail  : 
Subject : 

Comments:
:   August 2, 1763
:   Fort Ligonier on the Loyalhanna
:   Colonie of Pennsylvania

:   My Dearest Colleen,

:   We have just arrived here from Bedford and Carlisle to the East. We marched from Carlisle on the 18th of July, leaving the town wanting for protection from the Savages. The 77th, along with members of the 42nd Highlanders and 60th Royal American Regiments reached Bedford, formerly Raestown, on the 25th of July. We took on there 30 frontiersmen to serve as Scouts, as we had none with us to that point. We had been here last during the winter of '58, and much has changed since that time. Two days East of Bedford, we passed the place where the Tavern Keeper's daughter had been buried beneath a pile of stones. That is where the memories started to flow. Then, it was bitterly cold; now, it is oppressingly hot.

:   The road is improved since then, and the march is easier, but we see no one along our path for everyone has fled this country in fear of the Savage Enemy. We are led by Colonel Bouquet once more, on the road that we hacked out of this wilderness years ago. Our destination is Fort Pitt at the confluence of the Three Rivers, then on to Venango, LeBoeuf, and Presqu' Isle. We are to seek out and squelch the threat of an Ottawa chief, called Pontiac.

:   The unit stopped at the grave site of John MacKay upon arriving at this place today. Calsious Robertson procured a wooden cross in Bedford for this purpose, and a Memorial was placed where wee John was layed to rest on that 17th day of October. A Rememberance was held before entering the Fort, and now we await orders to move West from here tomorrow.

:   I am reminded of the great battle of that year as we look at the surrounding hills. The pain and sorrow that was endured as we recovered from our wounds, and the ordeal of leaving our fallen comrades behind. Now we are here once more, and the forebodeing of what lies ahead. I have often thought of the times Brother Malcolm and myself discussed leaving this soldiering life behind, and the time i asked you to come to this colony to start a new life. I now feel it was a mistake not to follow my conscience. Once more i feel the threat of not returning from this present campaign. As i sit here, i remember the question your mother Kate asked the last time we spoke. "Will we ever see you again, Davey Gunn? Or will you be buried in some unmarked grave by uncareing people?"

:   Tell her for me that she will see me again, and i shall be buried in my homeland, but only when i have lived my life to my likeing. I must close, there are chores to be done. A Private's life is never easy, even if his brother is the Sergeant!

:   Love,
:    Davey

:   Post Script: Cousins Flags, Tales, and Seamus are with the Frontier Scouts. They heard the 77th was on the move West again, and decided to tag along to protect us. It is comforting to know thier loyalty continues to rest on the side of The Crown.

:   
:   


Optional Link URL:  
Link Title:         
Optional Image URL: