Ouabash Valley Frontiersman Spring Rendezvous

Having battled the French and Indians with the Ouabash Valley Frontiersmen we have returned with no more silver, prizes, nor goods than when we left.

My dear Mr. Hodges, Mr. Gholson and I fought well; provisioned the militia with much meat, carried messages and many necessary items, and yet were found wanting.

Lacking the strength to carry all which was needed, we made do with only that which we could easily carry, and for lack strength or foresight were penalized mightily. Further, dampness was our greatest foe; for our inability to strike fire and burn through a simple barrier prevented my men and I from obtaining our greatest desire.

Once more my fine smoothbore Lucky proved herself, yet sadly she and my companions were placed but fourth and garnered no prize.

Nonetheless we have seen dear friends, spent time in the woods and slept beneath the stars, no regrets have we. None, save the loss of our fine water jug, which must surely be replaced soon.

The Raid upon Martins Station

May 7. We arose early to find a golden sun burning through a haze which had settled in the night to obscure the majesty of the Cumberland Gap. Off we set immediately, seeking the flash of trout in yonder streams with which we would like to break our fast. Though sparkling waters were quickly found, our desire was left insatiated. Though in truth, my heart was entirely satiated by the company, the magnificence of the surroundings and the anticipation of the coming day. Rarely in our travels do we find ourselves thus completely undone by our surroundings, truly in a condition of such complete satisfaction as we found upon this very morning.

Together, my companion Mr. Mains, and I tread ancient paths, among the rhododendron and pines. The silent whispering of our forebears filled our heads as the cool morning breeze caressed our cheeks and caused our hearts to swell with the knowledge we were not alone. Filled were we with tender thoughts of those many who had gone before on this very trail, leaving invisible footprints upon the earth and our souls.

Having reached the summit we so desired, we returned to Webb’s Inn to join friends. Over many cups of coffee and a hearty breakfast reigned tales of times past and future, completely unbridled by truth. Sustenance of heart and belly now satisfied, my dear companion and I set off for Martins Station.

Not wishing the constant company afforded by the masses gathered upon the hill outside the fort, nor to garrison within the fort, my companion and I hacked out a small encampment within the shelter of soft pines. Having but the necessary items, our camp was set quickly with little effort. Mr. Jos.Hinson’s comments notwithstanding, our encampment was quite well suited toward our purposes.

Indeed, t’was not long into the setting of camp that friends seemed to pour out of the very woods with hailed greetings, rough slaps upon our backs and much good natured ribbing. Thus the entire day was spent in the company of friends, visiting suttlers and admiring the many goods available for notice of the public. Many were the faces we had not seen since year last, or in many cases had but corresponded with and never placed face with word. It was a fine thing indeed to spend even little time in the camps of friends. Unbidden, the day quickly slipped into night and though constantly on guard of attack our company of settlers, hunters, horsemen and friendly natives passed the night unmolested by the gathering savages. Though safe from native attacks, Nature surely blew her best winds through the mountains causing minor harm to some.

May 8. My companion remarked upon the new day; “I was half awake and two thirds asleep all night!” which did indeed seem a fair if not mathematically accurate statement. Our small camp held tight and the morning coffee was enjoyed immensely. Having sutlers nearby caused our vain side to appear and I departed company from Mr. Mains in search of female companionship to obtain garments befitting a Sunday service. Though unable to locate the whereabouts of Mistress Patton, Mistress Selter and I passed a pleasant, but unfortunately short time together strolling through the assembled tradesmen’s tents. Just as a purchase was negotiated to obtain a pistol from Mr. Moore a runner approached announcing imminent danger of attack!

As is my wont to do, I flew off toward the station camp to render my services to Captains Titus and Martin. Though concerned with my obvious femininity, the captains discerned my sincere intent to fight, with or without their leave or consent to do so, and thus they welcomed the additional steady hand, powder and lead of an experienced shooter.

Within moments the thunder of hoofs confirmed our worst fears, the whooping and snarls of painted savages ripped through the afternoon air with the sounds of engagement. A rough moment took place in getting the inexperienced men into formation and out the narrow gate, nearly causing Captain Titus to explode with rage, but once no longer hemmed in by the fort walls, the men showed their courage and hours of drilling became muscle memory, as finally they began to follow command as second nature.

Smoke from burning cabins, screams of terror, agony, defeat and defiance filled my senses entirely. A high fever burned inside my soul for revenge against this heathen force. Further, a burning raging hatred for the militia's drilled volley fire filled me and nearly caused me to break rank and engage the enemy at will, as I knew my aim would be more accurately used, and alone I could pour many many more ounces of lead down the enemy’s throats and rip through their soft red bellies.

T’was only the sheer force and brute strength of the Captain’s will that held us together in rank, particularly when approached by savages with our own dear women as captives. Surely Satan himself must embody those hellish fiends for no son of God could destroy so viciously the innocence of women and children. My God, the terror those savages struck with their fires, tortures and scalping knives, twas surely a blessing for those who were quickly dispatched, not to be taken with force to the red man’s evil places to be further tormented. Worse still, were those race traders, those men of white skin who hath turned their yellow backs upon the ways of right and Godliness! Those yellow cur dogs deserve no less than the very tortures which they themselves inflict upon their own kind.

Within what seemed hours or even days of fighting the battle was over, a haze of gunsmoke filled the valley and the wounded and dead were retrieved from the field. Screams continued to rend the air as the good doctor made every attempt to save life and rend torn and useless limbs from the bodies of the mortally wounded. The militia formed up a line and marched to a safe area for the enjoyment of a rum ration and acknowledgement of a job well done. My dear companion once again found, we enjoyed the lecture of our friend Mr. M. Baker, after which some quiet time alone and the remainder of the day slipped easily by.

This quiet reverie was once again broken by the sound of drums, screams and the crack of firelocks. To arms we ran for it seemed another battle was underway, this time with a layer of intrigue! Early in the warm afternoon sun, acting in our natural capacity as spy and scout, intelligence was gathered of devious schemes afoot. Indeed, we had heard whispered rumor of the savage’s intent to disarm Captain Titus. Once such intelligence had reached our ears fierce was our intent to dissuade any fool from such a mission. Further, other spies had gathered intelligence of evil intent to remove the cannon from our possession. Thus we were hardened to battle with our very lives to protect the honor of our captain and our strongest defense.

To Captain Titus did Mistress Bailey attached herself with much determination. Acting as his personal guard along with Colonel Brown, Captain Titus addressed his men with a bellow and allowed them to know Mistress Bailey was granted his full permission to fire at will, and buttstoke any man who came within harms distance of himself.

Thus into battle we did advance. Darkness nearly upon us, the hateful fire, smoke, and crack of firelocks filled the night. Truer men than these can hardly be imagined. Strengthened by fierce loyalty and determined to protect that which was ours we marched into the night and took on the savages with raw power. Captain Martin roared commands at his men and the men responded with perfection firing as one into the night. During the heat of battle, the smell of powder and a heady knowledge of our forebears lent strength to our purpose. Indeed, so filled were we with a second life of those who had gone before, it seemed invisible fingers guided our own to insure perfect loading and we were joined with another’s eye with which to aim true. We welcomed in the ghosts of our fathers past and joined in spirit with them, we did surely fight with double strength, loyalty and honor! No evil intended man would brook the range between myself and Captain Titus, for rather we would place ourselves in harms way, guarding his very life with our own.

Twice, yellow bellied men with paint upon their bodies to cover their cowardliness, came to engage our captain and were instantly put down as the cur dogs they were. And still the fires burned bright into the night. Orphans screamed with terror as they were torn from lifeless mothers arms, men once sound of mind and body, lost a level of conscience and allowed their minds to take leave of their senses. Yet still we fought! And the savages too seemed filled with a mindless rage, as defiant and evil as we had ever engaged. Mistress Nature again whipped her mighty winds through the mountains and so the battle fever blew through us.

Memory does not serve one well in such times and suffice it to say this is for the best; for many such battle memories are too difficult for a thinking man to bear. The savages were partially successful in their endeavor to relieve us of the cannon, however their joy was much depressed to find our good men had spiked the thing, leaving them a heavy but useless trophy. Our own men were much gladdened with the capture of the most offensive of savages who was even now bound and left for dead in a secure blockhouse, to be dealt with appropriately.

As the fires burned down and the smoke began to clear we rejoined our companions within the station camp walls. Much rejoicing took place with the capture and success of the field. The prisoner was brought forth to the Captain’s presence and lo! Even in his weakened state, did this evil son of Satan make an attempt for Captain Titus’s sword! Having been earlier informed of this savages greatest intention, we were on the lookout for such an attempt and made quick work of him. His meaty hand twisted beneath my own as toward the sky I pulled it and gave him over to Colonel Brown, who immediately tossed him like refuse of a chamber pot into the fort yard.

With this excitement past, the Captain and I passed a short time quietly together, celebrating with a rum ration. As is his duty, the captain then went out to address the assembled men and women of the station camp. His sincere and heartfelt thanks was given to all those who fought bravely, but especial thanks to Captain Martin who’s own diligence and perseverance were remarkable. Three cheers were given and the huzzah’s rang over and over long into the night.

Mr. Mains, and I once more retired to our own encampment to discuss the passed hours, during which we had hardly laid eyes upon one another. His time spent primarily in company of Mr. Delph on a couple of mules well outside the station camp. Afore long the soft strains of Mr. C. Ross’s whistle and Mr. J. Salt’s voice carried into our small copse of trees and begged us join in the merriment. Delightedly we joined with friends new and old to cheer the day, sing songs upon Mistress J. Wingo’s whim, late into the night we joined with others in telling tales of exploits past. Few times in our lives have been passed so happily as these few hours around the campfire with twinkling stars above, mountains standing guard around us and the warmth of love and friendship upon our hearts.

May 9. It was with great dismay we awoke to find fellow scout and hunter Mr. Baker standing at our very feet whilst we slept! Indeed! with much vigor I beg Mr. Mains chose his friends more wisely in future, For Mr. Baker was there to inform Mr. Mains he was needed now at this very moment as the sun cracked the horizon, to go with him on an important mission.

Left to our own devices we determined to make coffee. With bucket in hand to the spring we went, passing two farmers and their indenture along our path. Said indenture, a Mr. Neidlinger, had upon the previous evening oft let loose with his tongue a number of insults which we had chosen not yet to responded to in kind. However, unbidden into the morning light his wayward thoughts got the best of him once more and one further insult too many resulted in a pail of cool spring water being dumped upon him. Now knowing the folly of his ways Mr. N. begged the forgiveness of Mistress Bailey and further presented her with a small gift that she should know his sincerity.

Once coffee, a bit of food and the company of others were enjoyed, it was not long before Mr. Mains returned to find us in the farmer’s paddock. Lo! Mr. Mains appeared to have once again suffered injury during his time with Mr. Baker, in whose company not one month past he had received a vigorous burning from the application of Cowpeas to his flesh courtesy of Mr. B.

This time however, it seemed the wound was self inflicted as Mr. M had been much carried away with the telling of a tale and stumbled upon a stob as though reliving the tale. Grateful not to have removed his own eye, Mr. Mains returned to our company, much marked but not truly wounded except perhaps in pride.

The sound of a horn rent the glorious mountain air as the Pastor called to one and all for divine services. To the station camp we assembled in the presence of Gods wisdom. With the pastors word, the surrounding mountain beauty and His word we were many of us carried in spirit far beyond our simple selves to truly feel His presence. The magnificence of these moments with God and His chosen company cannot be described by this humble writer.

T'was truly a blessed morning, furthered by the tender words of friendship offered by one whom this writer most admires and respects. For in all God’s creatures it is often the lowliest, most humble and downtrodden that He Himself instills His words and acts for the benefit of others. And so it she, our own dearest Mistress Maggie, a simple indentured servant who brings friendship and God’s words closer to our hearts, bringing tears to our eyes as the beauty, glory, and honor being her friend fills us so fully that room must be made by the spilling out of tears.

Indeed many words of love were spoken on this glorious day, and no better place on earth in which to share them. Love and friendship only tempered by the lack of time to be spent in each one another's company. For time doth pass too quickly and too soon must we be upon the trails to return to our home lands, but never in our hearts will this time among loved ones, past and present, be forgot. The grandeur of the mountains, the word of our Lord, and the divine inspirations granted to us this day are far reaching into our very soul leaving us somehow different and better than when we arrived.

Our greatest and most humble thanks to Mr. Heck, Captain Titus and those assembled at the Station we remain deeply indebted to you.

Your most humble servant,

Anne

sketching of the goings on may be viewed:

http://www.graphicenterprises.net/html/martin_s_station.html

Tales of Lore

April 30. Once more we found ourselves traveling in good company to the banks of the Laughery. Though my companion was delightful, our travels were fraught with concern. upon occasion, we found wispy light clouds had settled into a bank of ominously dark clouds which threatened to spoil not only our travels but our entire encampment. Fair warnings had been given of the impending storm and it's expectant flooding, yet these warnings went unheeded as we felt the warm sun upon our cheek. Warning also of a gathering of savages with ill intent in their red hearts. My intent was clear to keep my small companion close by and in sight at all times.

Our arrival in the destined encampment was met with much joy. Acquaintance long forgot and in need of renewal were in company and friends not seen since year last upon these same banks brought pure delight. Ever watchful of the encroaching savages we made camp with good friends of McLeods Company of 78th Highlanders.

We found ourselves quite grateful for our canvas overhead as the sky opened and let forth a gusting wind, filled with light, a deep grumbling sound and a pounding rain. The valley fairly echoed with the booming of thunder, accompanied by the pounding of stakes deeper into the green earth as our mates hunkered down their canvas more tightly.

May 1. Upon the new day it was determined all had faired well with no casualties of the the storm. With drizzling clouds of rain washing through the valley we broke our fast and enjoyed the warmth of coffee under the sheltering canvas of the McAfee clan. With the rising sun the mist of the hills began to burn off and a glimmer of sun peeked through leaving silver and gold lines in the sky over head.

Though the skys seemed to clear, warnings reached us of impending battle. As we were guests upon the graciousness of our hosts of the McLeod company we thought it best to make ourselves into their very likeness, with hope of gathering forces to defeat the miserable French and their native allies.

Once kitted into the likeness of a Highland lad we endeavored to disguise ourselves entirely. Though in truth some may have noted the smoothness of cheek and soft curves of this lad, if inspected too closely. We assembled our forces upon the hill and fought bravely. With our great strength and superior ranks the small number of French found themselves and their allies unable to hold the field, and as they are wont to do, retreated from the field after an accord was struck. Our ranks celebrated the victory with little cheer as the French ranks had been so small as to hardly require our services, leaving foul and dirty muskets for almost no true fight.

Wishing to further our skills in the practice of musquetry we set off for the blockhouse and the range beside. Once a small group had assembled the troops broke into small groups of three and four. A small number of Voyageur had made an encampment and thought to show our men the handling of weaponry. Which, much to our dismay they surely did, their ranks having fired more truly than our own upon the determined target. Being French, they celebrated their success with much merriment and drinking of shrub.

Our time was our own for a while and as there were many good sutlers my companion and I partook of a few of their wares. Captain Jacobs, Mr. Browder and many others whose reputations are much esteemed, presented many fine items for the notice of the public. Though in truth, the foulness of the weather had kept many settlers snug in their dry cabins.

This fine reverie was brought to end as a runner brought news of savages nearby. Not wishing to be restricted in dress or by rank of military we made ourselves into our usual attire and prepared to meet the risk at hand.

Near a cabin upon the hill a small assembly of women and children were about their chores and a bit of merriment, when they were struck with the worst possible disaster, as the crack of indian rifles fired brought all men and lads to give rescue to their beloved. As my weapon is always my constant companion we gave back as much fire as was possible. Devastated were we as the number of women and children murdered by these sons of satan increased. Mistress Cole whose own dear children were among the first to fall could not be restrained in her fruitless searching for babies. Twas pure misery to see the field littered with the small bodies of innocence and the aimless wanderings of Mistress Cole, begging for her children to come to her.

Raging fire took hold of my very heart as we screamed warning to her, yet God's protection must have been upon Mistress Cole. for though she took no shelter and walked fully among the dead and through the rifle fire, no bullet found target in Mistress Cole, perhaps this was little mercy considering her bewildered status of mind and loss of her beloved children.

This fire once kindled in my breast could only be dampened in the blood of the savage. My aim was true and more than one of the red hearted cowards were turned in agony as we loaded each ball with the prayer it bring death and destruction upon those whom it meet. These prayers were many answered and yet it was that traitor to his people, one Simon Girty, miserable wretch, who found himself with a chance to fight not with his rifle, but hand to hand with this woman. Ah, ye know it was not an easy fight, not as he might have expected for as always my hatchet was at hand! The blow given was mighty and given with all possible strength, but being filled with a hatred of his own race Girty found his strength much stronger than my own. struggling for life and limb we were dealt a blow of uncommon strength which took the wind entirely out of ourselves and twas not long afore the disgusting traitor took advantage with his knife to liberate a portion of my scalp. Screams met, his and my own, one in bloody triumph, the other in pure agony.

The battle raged for only a few minutes more as the skulking red beasts deprived small bodies of their hair and mothers of their children. spoils of the field lay littered upon the hill as we pulled ourselves toward the relieve of men come too late to save our little community.

May 2. Ominous skys let forth with rain and mist all of this day, leaving little time for any pleasure. Though in company with Messers; Narjess, Haas and Prusinski, a bit of shooting ensued under the watchful eye of Mr. and Mistress Stern. Scores were settled and we found ourselves well pleased with the results, though mostly with the pleasure of spending time with frontier friends. My companion let not the rains trouble her at all, taking pure pleasure as only children do, and our travel home was filled with Lore of the Laughery.

(Photo Credit Graphic Enterprises Cummings, http://www.graphicenterprises.net/index.html)

a gift arrives

April 28. On an otherwise quiet day, a knock upon the door and there, before us is the post rider, delivering an unexpected gift. Inside the tenderly wrapped package, a poleax from Mr. Romack, a fine friend in Maryland. 'Tis a wonderous thing to behold, and soon shall be put to good use upon the trail.

Westward to Ouabash Valley

April 16. We traveled lightly and quickly to the designated encampment and found ourselves upon high ground, much satisfied to be far from the river and it's quagmire of mud, and amongst good friends, the Ouabash Valley Frontiersman. The gathering herewith was small but much enjoyed; a good natured contest or challenge amongst friends to be held on the marrow.

Mr. Curt Hoagland the fine master of gun making and a musician of some renown played late into the evening setting tunes to the chirps of the night creatures. My dear, dear friend, Mr. Charlie Hodges and I shared camp as is our usual custom, though each within our own confines, we shared fire, stories, and a drop or two. Passed a lovely hour or so with Mr. Travis Wilkins and enjoyed a fine meal in the local ordinary, though sadly Mr. Wilkins was destine to leave us fore the night was o'er.

April 17. Mr. Witte had arranged a fine contest amongst the small gathering and many shots were heard to ring true upon the day, my companions and I at no loss for lead or powder made quite a show of our skills. Though in truth, Messrs Hoagland and Hodges were quite superior in their placement of marks. Mr. W's sweet daughter Miss Katie was a useful girl who entertained herself in the replacement of marks and the occasional taste treat! for but a few shillings the girl even partook of the grand fun and was found to be quite talented as a markswoman!

The day passed swiftly amongst such company as this and a few other good souls and the evening was filled with laughter, the strains of Mr. Hoaglands sweet music and even a greeting or two from a winged bird hooting or rather screeching from the trees. The recent acquisition of a soapstone heated near the fire kept toes from chilling and was even found to be warm to the touch upon the new days dawn, a fine acquisition indeed for a woman alone to keep warm of a cool night!

April 18. another contest and challenge for the gathered participants, a brief nap in the sunshine, and finally an auction were the highlights. The auction resulted in a new snuff box and gambling cards. sadly the day came to a close and all passed into other territories.

A Fine Frolic at Pricketts Fort

April 8. We rose early in the morning to journey far to the south, with great anticipation in our hearts and much haste at heel. Arrived at the back woods cabin of Mr. J. Mains and was entertained well by the family therein. We left Mr. Main’s in Augusta at one’oclock in high spirits and embarked for the Great Kanawha Valley. We proceeded along the river passing Blue Licks and Limestone, after which time Mr. Mains lost himself, or rather became bewildered for a time, in his own river valley. We passed on from hence, crossing uneventfully the River Ohio, whereupon we found ourselves once again.

We proceeded along at a reasonable pace to the Kanawha River with only a brief correspondence from one D. Rowsey who informed us of another gentleman upon whom we might call, but greatly regretted he himself would not be making the journey to the fort, as he was presently embroiled in other Indian affairs. Within the prescribed time we found the location of Prickett’s Fort. Having been nothing but a blinding rain in the valley for days upon end Mr. Mains spoke to the keeper of an ordinary outside the fort who had rooms to let and we stopt for a time. It being a fine establishment, we found ourselves in great comfort and were entertained in a high fashion for the night.

April 9. We arose grudgingly, early this morning and proceeded 4 miles lower to the fort. The land is quite good in this area and we traveled easily with much sun, arriving at the determined time. Quite befuddled were we to find Mr. D. Jones, known simply as Muggs, was not to be found within the fort walls or without. Having come into a poorly spirit he found himself quite unable to travel.

Upon arrival near the fort, a smell the likes of which can only be ascertained near a tannery assaulted our very senses and we found the tanner Mr. Ch. Brown attending to the necessaries of his profession. Mr. Brown is well known as a fine tanner and waxed on about his profession to all who would listen. A good many hides were in evidence strewn about the area, most of which had been perfectly tanned. Mr. Brown seemed mildly amused and only lightly vexed with commentary by a Mr. Ma. Baker who requested significantly less fine quality, he, Mr. Ma. Baker, perhaps not being afforded the ability to pay for high quality hides and repeatedly suggested he receive “narly” hides. Messers Brown, Mains, and Baker enjoyed some humor and much discussed the topic. Resulting in Mr. Baker presenting Mr. Mains with a bit of deer tail for his hat, for which Mr. Mains while exceedingly grateful ultimately returned.

The good Doctor Mr. A. Roberts was visited by a goody many sorts near the fortyard. A fair bit of bloodletting, an amputation, scalp reattachment and other status of the arts of medicine were practiced. One poor miserable creature who had been beaten about the head with a war club was forced to undergo trephination. Dr. Roberts expounded upon his work with great zeal, to the crowd which had gathered to witness this miraculous work, he explained that once the hole had been created with the trephan, he would straddle the crack with his instrument and poke around abit, extracting bits and pieces of bone and tissue, relieving the intracranial pressure, then allow the crack to close up and scab over.

We determined a great fort dinner feast was in order and much food was prepared and enjoyed by all inside the fortyard. The company of a good many souls was much enjoyed. Captain Jacobs and Mr. Browder had made the journey and were fine company well into the evening. Many acquaintances were made and renewed. It seems the exploits of Mstrss. A. Bailey have become known in many forts, ordinaries and coffee houses and she was well received, with few exceptions.

April 10. Messers: St. Gengelbach, Mr. M. Miller a fine rifle maker, Mr. Eh. Ehlert and Mr. Ma. Baker were in attendance from the Second Company. Mr. G and Mr. E gave fine intelligence of several scouts made far and near. Mr. Miller discussed the various types of critter getters of the rifled variety.

Messers Kobuck, Charlton, Hersee and the tailor Mr. T. Crowder made fools of themselves much of the time until mustered Saturday afternoon, at which point one was utterly confounded to find the uncouth Mr. N. Kobuck in a role of leadership,

causing great consternation among my company. The tailor T. Crowder was found to be quite competent, even in his spirited shape, and produced many necessary hunting shirts for the assemblage.

Those who mustered at Pricketts fort were good men, brave and true with few exceptions, those of which found not to be in possession of all necessary goods were fined a shilling per piece. About the fortyard there were fixed, like dung upon rails, any number of men found unfit to serve. agedness, physical and mental infirmity were plain to see but a few had the look of simpletons, loafers and layabouts, the likes of which should, by all rights have been stockaded, beaten or whipped and pressed into service within our very sight.

Upon review of the good Doctor, the vast majority of the assemblage of men were proclaimed fit for service, though Mstress A. Bailey caused a pause in the questioning and requested proof the Good Doctor was fit to conduct such examinations upon herself. Upon which time the Doctor presented a document writ in the hand of the very doctor who had trained him up. Once so proven, your friend Mstress Bailey was approved for service as spy and scout within the company. While scouting, one in her company was unfortunate to step upon a large thorn which required extraction, and cauterization. The Doctor, suddenly unavailable and likely to be found imbibing with the proprietress of a local coffee house, required Mstress B. to extract the offending item herself, strike a fire, cauterize the wound and then fend off an imminent attack with her hatchet. The impending attack narrowly averted caused much hunger in the fort.

Mr. Baker, who one would be hard pressed to call a camp cook, waxed prolific on his findings on his study of the Natural Man. Mr. B, while quite proficient as an instructor was found to be lacking in his presentation of buffaloe short ribs. In addition, his jovial manner while dishing his three sister stew with cowpeas, corn and squash, resulted in a scuffle with Mr. J. Mains, the resulting scald upon Mr. Mains hand will likely require restitution from Mr. B. for an extended time. Once again the Doctor was completely unavailable and Mr. Mains endured the nursing skills of Mstrss B. who gathered bits of plantain from thereabouts, chewed it and then spit a mighty hank of green slime upon the blistered area and wrapped it in linen.

The tavern provided much distraction and a fine frolic for all assembled. Games of chance, skill and luck prevailed within, and without the fortyard, as patrons imbibed in spirituous beverages of shrub and punch, prepared, of course, by the drunkard Kobuck and his group of instigators. Mr. Charlton presided over the hearth area, much impressing all in his banyan and cap, to which many others aspired but, alas fell short.

Mr. Mains and Mstrss Bailey much enjoyed the company of many a good man, but retired early to quarters without the bewildering and befuddled nature so easily obtained from one’s cups, not requesting nor requiring the strong assistance of Mr. G. upon this years gathering; unlike in years passed upon which Mr. Gengelbach fairly slung Mr. Mains over his shoulder and tossed him to quarters.

Indeed, fine times were had. Departing the fort brought nearly a tear as hands were tightly clasped perhaps for the last, and fond farewells given, until such time as many of us shall reconvene near the falls of the Ohio at Laughery Creek or at Martins station, whereupon much concern has been addressed of an impending raid.

The journey to the River Ohio was uneventful and Mr. Mains split company from us at his cabin with much regret. One can only hope he regains use of his much disfigured limb and will thus be counted upon in the event of the raid at Martins Station. Upon returning, my own small cabin affords warmth, comfort and the feeling of home until such time as we shall be called out into the wilderness again. A candle remains lit late into the eve, the log upon the hearth crackles merrily and letters shall be writ to share the fine times, that others may know of them and remember our names.