Posted by Seamus on February 28, 2000 at 17:48:05:
In Reply to: Scouting the Susquehanna posted by Corporal MacWilliam on February 28, 2000 at 16:31:49:
Cousin Cpl. Malcolm Angus MacWilliam.....I am a bit taken aback at your insinuation that it was I, and ME alone, who is responsible for the attachment of the female I escorted to Augusta...AT YOUR INSISTENCE, I MIGHT ADD...(lovely and soft as she is, and, my oh my, such a sweet odor eminating from her...)My total and complete involvement up until the poor lass got scared out of her wits on the crossing to the fort was as her protector, and even then I acted out of concern for her peace of mind. Why, I hardly noticed her finely turned ankles, exquisite calves, and slim waist, let alone any other of her ample charms, while I was keeping a sharp eye out for Girty and young McKee, and any other heathen danger which might be lurking along the trail. His father, by the way, is severely disappointed by his whelp's behavior...
I am my wit's end to know what I am going to do about her. On one hand, I just ought to volunteer for a long scout and hope she finds interest in one of the officers at Augusta, but, on the other hand, I kind of enjoy the attention. And I can't blame her for getting sweet on ME, either. I am lovable...I believe it's my blue eyes. Been a long time since a woman of the female type has set her sights on my carcass. I believe the last was the Lenape, Wallowing Cow, at Fort Louden, remember? That one kind of cured me for a long time...
You'd best stay on this side for now, and not try to cross. The river is running high and swift, but the ice is all gone...snow melt in the mountains has been coming downstream the last few days. It will be a week or more until the fords are usable again.
Be careful when you venture up the West Branch...I hear tell from the friendly Indians who have come in lately that there are indeed French in the area. Some were seen near Madame Montour's Town not a week ago.
Cousin Seamus
: Captain Croy,
: Our latest missive from the scouting party heading north is full of curious dealings. Many Flags and Three Tales have left their cousin Seamus at Fort Augusta. It seems that Seamus has taken up with some bad female company (is there good?) and has been detained at Augusta. My presbyterian background is disgusted with his emotional attachments! MF and TT have continued north to a stockade near a stream named Warrior's Run. They scout the area for any large parties of French and their native allies which may be coming south to intercept our column as it heads west to lay seige to Duquesne. Pvts. Gunn, Johnson, MacGregor and myself continue to scout along the Susquehanna north and south of Fort Hunter for a shallow area for the 77th to cross safely. Sign Talker is sure there is a safe crossing but as of yet we have only been able to get our annual bath three times each! MacGregor says he is now clean for the next four years! We did sight a small party of savages north of the Fort, Sign Talker believing they were Shawnee. We flanked them toward the river, spread out a bit, then fired two volleys before they moved farther north. We are hopeful this evening we will find the shallows of which Sign Talker is certain. I remain your most Humble and Obed't Servant, Cpl. Malcolm Angus MacWilliam, 77th Reg't of Foot, Gren Coy, God Save the King!