Posted by Seamus on March 02, 2000 at 11:40:21:
In Reply to: Heading East along the Chillisquaque posted by Many Flags on March 02, 2000 at 09:51:58:
Cousin...Your dispatch arrived this morning as I was preparing for a hunt to supply the garrison here with a venison, which by the by, was a successful venture. It was a large buck deer who had lost one antler and the other came off as he fell, but who also showed the effects of a hard snowy and icy winter. He had not nearly the fat he should have in a more agreeable winter. It is my relief for the forest critters that, now that the snow has melted, they will be able to forage properly once again. I have heard of this shepherd from some of the Indians, but I thought it to be one of their lesson stories. Now, I am beginning to doubt it, and am quite anxious to find out if, indeed, it is our Angus. Cousin Malcolm's rather lengthy dispatch which he promised to send has also arrived by carrier today. I will reimburse his fees as it was quite costly for him. I am aware that the pay of a corporal is somewhat higher than that of a private, but it is still an outrageous amount! Three pounds twenty, indeed! If you run across him, thank him for me and please tell him I will set it square.
I am told that the small fort at Montgomery's is nearly finished. T'was a stroke of genius to build it over the spring! It also a fine stroke of good fortune to have such an abundant supply of limestone right there. That will make the building of a very strong fort.It should stand for two centuries or more! I heard that the geese are moving into the Chillisquaque valley. You should encounter many on your way to Bosley's. I should bring a party there to lay in some for the garrison. They are too hard to entice to the muzzle with all the activity here at Augusta. The lass has been rather down the last few days. I am concerned for her. I will take her for a walk in the fort's gardens later and feel her out...about why she seems depressed. Perhaps she can be of use there preparing for the growing season. I have been told that women like that sort of thing. ...and it might just get her mind off of me! Pax Aye! Seamus
: Cousin Seamus,
: Three Tales and I hope that this latest missive arrives at Fort Augusta in time, afore you leave for any rendezvous with us, or afore you leave to rendezvous with the 77th at Hunter's Fort. While traveling south of Boone's Fort we caught sight of a strange looking man with a small herd of sheep. When the man caught sight of us, he took off through the woods at a trot herding the sheep in front of him. Now a curious yell accompanied his quick departure. For Three Tales and I heard him explain as he ran out of sight, "Pax Aye, Pax Aye! Uncle Angus says move along, my dears." As you know, dear Cousin, only the Gunn clan knows of the clan cry of "Pax Aye" and the only Uncle Angus I know is your father and my father's brother Angus who disappeared from Scotland many long years ago. Three Tales and I are now following this man's tracks (and his dear sheep), in hopes that it is truly our lost Uncle Angus. We travel east along the Chillisquaque toward Fort Bosley. While there we will also inquire if Girty and McKee have been seen. While we take this side trip, please enjoy yourself with the young Lass of Augusta. But, be careful of her wiles and wants. Pax Aye!