As you arrive off of the highway and come into town the way we did, there aren’t any signs or fanfare for the fort in general.  Actually, as you come in from the street we came down, you have no idea there’s even a fort there until you pass by the visitors center and catch a brief glimpse of the British Flag and the wooden stakes protruding from the outer wall.  We pulled around the back, to load in through the sally port, and once inside I was taken back by how it isolates you from the surrounding city, truly taking you back to the 18th century. You see a church spire and a parking deck if you’re looking for them, but because of the fort walls and the way it is designed, the city of Rome melts behind the buildings and bastions.

Fort Stanwix was re-built 75 years ago on the exact location where it stood.  It had been covered by buildings and streets, but they were torn down, the site excavated, and rebuilt to original specifications that were available. While the barracks buildings seem crude to most modern standards, I completely believe this to be accurate to what would have been available at the time.  The enlisted men’s quarters are basically just a large rectangular frame covered in hay for the regiment to share (one on either side of the room), and a fire place in the middle of the large expanse for warmth and cooking.  Officers and visiting officers quarters were sparsely furnished, but were also smaller and more personal for these men of rank.  There were even family quarters in the fort for those camp followers and children that may be on campaign as well.

My cohorts and I, John and Susan B, were privelidged to stay in the visiting officers quarters along with another nice gentleman.  There were 2 sets of bunk beds in these, with ticking sacks filled full of hay in each bunk.  Being the youngest of our group, I was relegated to the top bunk, which was only about 18 inches from the ceiling.  Along with the bunks, there was a small table, and a massive fire place for cooking and warmth, and one small window for light.  Even in the middle of the day, we needed to light candles in order to see into many of the spaces of the room comfortably.

For the layout of my surgeons impression, I was given the theater- an air conditioned and carpeted space that joins the main welcome area with a diagram of the fort.  When not occupied by re-enactors such as myself, a film plays as an introduction to the fort and its history.  There were a few people who seemed dissappointed that there wasn’t a film on the weekend, but I hoped that my presentation would be comparable at least for them, if not better.

One of the things that I found most suprising and pleasing about the event was that everyone, British, French, Highlander, and Native alike, all mingled together and talked amongst each other.  Too many events, the British are on one side of the field, and the French are on the other and the Natives end up filling in wherever they may be able.  Here at Stanwix, everyone intermingles, be it at tea, in evening discussions, and even singing in various camps.  Everyone also seems to be there for the same reason- to promote the history and to educate the public.  It was also very great to hear compliments on my portrayal by my fellow reenactors, on both my display and on my knowledge.

Both Saturday and Sunday the men and women portraying soldiers had short skirmishes as a demonstration of 18th century tactics, and the Fort’s 9 pounder was fired repeatedly.  It put a smile on my face each time as it actually seemed to shake the building I was in as it was fired.  What can I say- I have a thing for powerful artillery.  Saturday afternoon, there was also a ladies tea for all the ladies in attendance.  I was honored with receiving a taste of the tea that the ladies were drinking, which was quite spectacular. I think these teas are great for giving the ladies a chance to socialize and get to know each other, because they’re normally busy at events or don’t get to meet other ladies in other units and discuss their areas of expertise.

After the battle Saturday afternoon, and during a lull of the public in my area, I performed a demonstration of a straight shaving on two men.  The day was hot, so it was good for them to have water on their faces, and it was good for me to do a demonstration of one of my crafts- which both the public and my fellow participants seemed to enjoy.

At the end of the day Saturday, all of the participants of legal age were lined up for a rum ration, which also was a nice touch.  Here was everyone who participated in the day (minus the NPS staff of course), out to receive their dram for their service, along with toasts which abounded. After dinner time, of which my cohorts made an exceptional venison roast (thank you John and Susan again for a great meal!), there was a very nice concert put on by Linda Russell, who did beautifully.

After the concert, Capitaine Etienne A. Perkins dit le Gros Corne, and his Madame,  put on a soiree with a table full of cheeses, bread, smoked meat, and other tasty treats.  There we filled his officers quarters with lively discussion late into the evening.  Then I mingled over to the Highlanders to share musical treats, and ended the evening on a bastion, staring at the moon and stars, content and happy to be there.  It was a beautiful and comfortable night- to where some individuals actually slept out under the stars.

Sunday seemed more sedate of a day, but the public still came out in droves and still asked fabulous questions.  It really was the questions that the public were asking that tickled me most- many wanted to know how I had gotten started in the hobby or into surgery itself, others had deeper questions than “what’s that do?” about illness and injury.  It was intellectual for me!  And the majority of people who came through my display asked questions- it wasn’t just the usual look and walk on that I see at several other events.

By closing time on Sunday, I was tired, but it still didn’t seem possible that it was time to tear down and return from whence we came.  Others had left earlier in the day, but as we loaded our things out of the fort, it just had a touch of sadness attached with it.  Like Fort Frederick, it seems, Stanwix has earned a special place in my heart- a home away from home in many ways.  As we said our goodbyes to our new friends and our old friends, I made the promise that I would return again.

For anyone who hasn’t been to this fort, I highly recommend it for a visit, if not to go as a participant for the weekend at one of their events.  Their staff is exceptionally friendly, the site is well done for accuracy and education, and it does have that great “time machine” effect, as Susan calls it, to take you back to the 18th Century.

Thanks to Christine Burgess for the photos she took this weekend- she was quite the shutterbug!

J’ai été le nettoyage de mes instruments quand un mouvement a été agité à la porte du fort. Curieux comme je l’ai été, j’ai mis le couteau, et a rejoint les autres pour observer les allées là-bas. Un groupe de nos alliés, le Deleware comme on les appelle, était descendu le fleuve dans leurs canots. C’était un groupe d’environ 15, la plupart des hommes. J’ai déjà vu des hommes en costume et les mœurs similaires dans nos voyages au sud de Québec, et les avait vus se battre avec une férocité inconnue à mes compatriotes à bien des égards. Il semble que cette guerre signifie beaucoup plus pour les sauvages, comme le fait toute la guerre. Les hommes racontent des histoires de voir les restes carbonisés, et les organismes scalpé le long des sentiers. Mais ce que je voyais venir me mettre mal à l’aise avec la pensée de ces alliés.

Led derrière l’un des guerriers de plomb de la troupe était une jeune femme, pas beaucoup plus vieux que je pense 20, vêtue d’une simple Lit Manteau de, et des jupons, à la fois marquée par de la saleté et les taches d’autres. En vertu de la saleté et la crasse, je pourrais dire que sa peau était d’un blanc laiteux, qui a immédiatement déclarer à partir de notre patrie européenne. Ses cheveux étaient en désordre, et elle n’avait aucune couverture pour elle. Il coulait noir dans son dos, et certains accroché au visage. Elle gardait la tête baissée et les yeux baissés, mais un bref aperçu je pouvais voir des lignes qui ont fait preuve faible de la douleur, des ruisseaux de larmes avaient coulé sur ses joues, ces derniers jours. Ses mains étaient attachées en face d’elle et autour de son cou a été placée une corde filetée, qui conduit directement aux mains de l’Savauge’s. Il est clair qu’elle était en captivité à cet homme, mais j’étais curieux et choqué par une telle situation. Comme il s’est arrêté avec le reste de sa bande, je regardais en état de choc, comme il lui prit la main et l’a poussée jusqu’aux genoux à côté de lui.

Notre commandant se dirigea vers eux, suivi de 2 autres Marines, leurs fusils sur leurs épaules.
“Hey”, at-il dit, que je pris pour un salut.

“Hey t-shin-ge”, l’indigène de la captive a dit. Sa voix était profonde, qui semblait correspondre à sa taille impressionnante. Il portait des plumes qui ornent sa tête, avec des leggings noir et parements d’argent autour de son biceps. Boucles d’oreilles en argent pendaient à ses oreilles et une bague de ses narines et qui brillait au soleil comme il se trouvait. Il portait des conceptions simples sur son visage, mais sur la base des manières de ceux qui l’entouraient, il a certainement été le leader de ce groupe.

Mon assistant est venu me le long de côté comme je l’ai observé la scène devant moi, et a commenté sur la présence de cette femme. Le Deleware tendent vers piller les fermes et les cabanes de ce qu’ils croient être leurs terres, et après avoir tué les hommes, ils prendront les femmes et les enfants en captivité. Il a également déclaré qu’elle avait l’air d’être un poisson frais, comme elle avait encore les vêtements de sa culture. Comme le temps passe, me dit-il, ils deviendront assimilées dans la tribu et bientôt oublier leurs maisons, leurs familles, et de la vie avant de la tribu. En vérité, nous ne pouvons pas rester ce type d’activité, je me suis dit. J’ai entendu parler d’histoires de soldats d’autres Sauvages brûler leurs ennemis, mais même cela, je crois que je pourrais gérer mieux que la captivité d’une femme sans défense.

J’ai continué à regarder que le sauvage a des tas de fourrures de leurs canots de la rivière aux échanges avec notre commandant. Soldats ont apporté des outils, des fusils, des couvertures et des boissons. J’ai regardé avec intérêt que chaque partie a pris un coup d’oeil à l’autre de marchandises, mais le chef de file, debout, observe, de manière similaire à notre commandant. Avec un clin d’œil et un murmure d’un de ses guerriers, le chef de file Savage crié ce qui semblait être une commande, et ses hommes se sont rassemblés place les biens et les fourrures a chuté de nombreux.

Mon regard errait un instant à ces faits et gestes, et puis de nouveau à la femme en captivité. Sa tête est restée basse, mais pour un bref instant, ses yeux verrouillés sur la mienne. Ses yeux étaient acte de procédure, si elles étaient effrayées jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient tira loin comme le leader s’éloigna et a tiré sur la corde autour du cou de son pull à se joindre à eux. Elle a lutté à ses pieds, puis a été conduit hors de la canots, qui étaient en charge vers le bas.

Comment est-il que nous pouvons simplement rester les bras croisés à ce comportement? Si un homme à Paris ont été à juste prendre une femme hors de cette manière, ils répondent à un châtiment le plus approprié. Je ne pouvais pas imaginer ce que mon Hélène ferait, si elle devait se trouver dans une telle position. Peut-être dans ces dames commun, il est quelque chose qu’ils sont plus habitués, mais une dame raffinée telles que celles de Paris périrait probablement dans ces moments-là.

Et maintenant, mon esprit vagabonde vers elle et les enfants, et je me retrouve mort dans l’âme de désir pour son toucher doux, sa belle voix, et ses bons yeux. Je devrais lui écrire de ma sécurité et aimables paroles de mon désir pour elle et notre maison.

–

Today I witnessed one of the most troubling, and yet most fascinating sights that I have yet seen in my tenure as surgeon with the Company. It has caused me to take great pause, and to retire myself to my quarters alone this evening, instead of enjoying the company of the rest of the men, as I commit the tale to my journal and relive the moment to myself.

And now my minds eye wanders to her and the children, and I find myself heartsick with longing for her soft touch, her lovely voice, and her kind eyes. I should write her of my safety and kind words of my desire for her and our home.

With the return of the troops, along came a new shipment of supplies from FrederickTowne, along with more supplies from my sister, and a beautiful new journal for keeping my notes and records in.  It is blue with calfskin, produced by the great bookbinder Mr. McClintock.  Charlotte sent it to me for my upcoming Birthday, and I am grateful for the new parchment to write upon.  With the new troops, and the new nurse, I should be more attentive to my supplies and the goings on around the hospital.

The widow Bain is working out well as the hospital nurse, and has even taken on some matronly duties.  She has currently gone to a nearby farm to help with the birth of a child.  I admire those women who have taken to those duties here in the wilderness.  While having brief training in womanly ways at the University, I feel fortunate as to never have had to be in attendance for the birth of a child.  I daresay that as much as I’ve done surgeries and seen men die under my ministrations and on the battlefield, I would imagine that the birth of a child would be much more frightening and daunting to my personal sentiments.

The evening meal is being served, and as my nurse is away I should deliver it to my patients before dining with the Captain myself this evening.

The note from Doctor Roberts is as follows:

“My dear Doctor Clift,

Enclosed I trust you will find the return of the favour you paid me when we were encamp’d at Fort Niagara July last.  I found myself wanting during my amourous pursuits, and you came to my aid with on of Mrs. Phillip’s fine products.  I now repay that kindness with interest in the form of Two French Raincoats.

If you should require more, I have a reliable source that comes directly from the supply ship from London every three months, and it would be my pleasure to supply you.

Please give my respects to your sister and many thanks for the gifts you sent in your last package, and know Sir that I am,

Yr. Humble & obt Svt,

Dr. A Roberts”

I should write a return note to my sister and to Doctor Roberts in time to thank him for his generous gift, and to allow my sister to consider selling his items of Self-Preservation.  For now, however, the candle flickers as the wind draws under the door, and i must check the patients once again before I retire for the evening.

I have been most fortunate to have the help of a woman from a nearby farm to keep dressings, medicines, and food about the infirm.  Her husband recently enlisted, and Natives had raided her farm, leaving little behind for her to subsist on.  So she has followed her husband here, and has been assisting me in the daily upkeep of running the small infirmary I am tasked with.  She has been a welcome addition, even though I feel as if I must keep a wary eye upon her.  I have heard from other Doctors at some of the out hospitals, and through my own experience at the hospital in Cumberland, that the Nurses there would provide liquors and spirits to the men against the advise of the surgeons or physicians,  as well as rifling through the effects of those men in the most dire of situations, or worse, dead, to either provide additional effects to their own husbands, or to sell them to make additional money.  They also seem unreliable in their daily duties, and many of the women given to the surgeons such a duty have also been known to despise the task.

The advantage to me at this time is that the woman who has been helping me has recently been tasked as the local Midwife to the farmers in this region.  She has some experience with the local herbs of the area, as well as an understanding of how to keep the men’s spirits and health in the best shape as we possibly can.  She has been a great assistant.

This is why today I have asked an audience with the Captain, to provide her a small stipend of 3 shillings daily for her services.  It seems only fair and proper, as she has spent many a night, sitting with some of the most ill men, and even myself, especially in the direst of situations.  She has also survived the Smallpox, so she may be of great import if an outbreak does occur here at the Fort.  I imagine that come spring, she will return to her Farm to attempt to subsist on that, however with her husband on the march, it is possible she may stay behind to make the small bit of money I can provide her.  The Captain has agreed to such a provision, on the condition that she keep to her duties, and be subject to Court Martial like any other member of the regiment, should she disobey my orders or be found in violation of any regulations.  The woman has been around the regiment and fort for several months now, so I doubt that she shall do so, however as stated previously, I have been keeping a wary eye upon her to ensure her obedience.

She is calling for me now to check on one of the patients, and so I must end this for now.  I will most definitely keep track of her progress, as I am to report to the Captain on such regularly.

Dear Doctor Roberts,
I trust that this note finds you in good health as well as your good daughters.  I am writing on behalf of my brother William, with who you served with at the Siege of Niagara this July past.   He sends his regards as he is still abroad in the Frontier fort of Frederick, treating the men of the Maryland Forces.  He hopes that you ahve healed fully from your leg wound and that no amputation was necessary, which I would also hope!  I heard my brother’s tale of the ordeal and it seems most frightful an experience!
My brother, when not tending to the men in the King’s service, owns an apothecary shop here in Frederick , MD.  He tends to the sick, as well as sells general medicines, tinctures, and the Finest Virginian tobacco.  Sometimes he receives additional gifts or supplies from his suppliers and in his recent writing to me, he has asked me to send 2 of these items to you as gifts for 12th night and your Birth day, as I believe it has just passed.  He hopes that both will be of great use ot you in your wilderness tendings and for the men of the Independant Co of South Carolina.  And know that should you grow low on supplies of medicines,  we can work on a steep discount and credit for your practice.
The shop grows busy now so I must away.
Sincerely,
Miss Charlotte Clift, sister to Dr. William Clift

We returned to Fort Frederick for winter quarters in early November, which at first was a great benefit to us, as more supplies had arrived from Annapolis, and the quarters are more suited for keeping warm.  The stone walls are thick, and with multiple fireplaces it only has a chill late at night and early in the morning, provided that the men keep the doors barred.  In the late mornings and afternoons the Captain drills the men in the parade grounds, which I’ve observed  once or twice.  Its a truly fascinating scene, the madder red uniforms contrasting greatly against the blinding white of the snow, shadows of grey and black intermingling with those strong colors.

We had a brief service for the Christmas holiday. Afterwards we sat around telling ghost stories and singing songs late into the evening, and I found myself yearning for home for one of the first moments in a great while.  I am certain that my sister kept the season in her own way, but in remembering her favorite ghost stories of women in white, wandering halls, I was hoping to be in my meager living quarters, sharing that moment with her.

Reports circulate that the French are on the run, and that we could be home by summer.  I should like that above all things, however I will continue to serve where I am needed most, which seems to be here among the men of the Maryland Forces.

This land is so primitive, and desolate.  I am growing weary of traveling for endless miles, with a lack of supplies and the dark cloud of death over us.  We continue to lose men by the day from disease and malnourishment, and the morale seems to be low.  We are beginning the march back to Presque Isle, as the weather begins to grow cold.  I long for our grand return to Paris, truly, and for the end of our occupation of this horrid land.  I have little in the way of medication, the men gamble away and steal my wine, and the meager tent they provide me has begun to leak.  The sicknesses outnumber the bullet wounds, and it seems to be a variety of more intense illnesses than back in France.

The Market at Washingtonburg is a 3 day event, focused solely on 18th Century life, more specifically, life in the military during this era.  This year, they also decided to add in sutlers, making it the second largest Market Fair in the Mid Atlantic (Fort Frederick being first).  I went with Dagworthy’s Company, one of my British F&I units.

Upon arrival we were told we could set up near the Revolutionary War Americans, as the British regiments had backed out at the last second.  To what reason they did is not for me to speculate. But it was rather dissapointing, at least for the other Revolutionary War reenactors on site.  Dagworthys, being as we wear Red Coats, were allowed to camp there, which was also close to the Children’s games area- the primary purpose for our attendance.  So TM (one of the other members of Dagworthy’s), and myself set up our fly and 2 tents, and hit dinner, then I returned and retired to my tent for the night.  The temperatures this weekend were perfect for sleeping outside, and I slept better than I have at events all season.

Friday was “attack of the children” day.  School classes from all over the region bussed in kids ranging from 4th grade to 8th grade, and brought them through in groups between 6 and 60.  Dr. Bloodsworth from Newport News was there, and was short a spare set of Surgical hands, so I sat with him and went through the finer points of 18th century medicine, demonstrating amputations and trepannings on many different children, as well as scaring them with dental tools and glyster pipes.  The games looked to be successful as well, from what I could see in the distance.  In the span of about 6 hours, we saw over 1400 children, with only about 4 feeling sick to their stomachs or passing out from heat.  Additionally we had about another 1200 visitors during the day.

In the late afternoon, I was able to spirit away for a bit and take a stroll around the sutlers.  Most of them I was familiar with from Market Fair, but I had to say hi to my friends who run Fort Augusta Woodworking, as well as peek in at  Bushnell bottle company.  I have learned that in being a one stop shop for 18th century medicine, you need lots of bottles, and they have some of the best.  I got the additional suprise from them, because they are now carrying Jamestown Glasshouse glass products, at lower costs than getting them from the Glasshouse.  Score 1 for the sutlers!  I made an order of a new Independance bottle, 2 bottles for decoctions, and a couple small bottles for my apothecary box.  Then talk of dinner came about, and I ended up going to dinner with the Fort Augusta  and Bushnell Groups.  It was a great dinner, with good conversation and grand company.   Again, when I climbed into the tent to sleep, it was a fabulous sleep.

Saturday saw me set up my surgeons tools under the Dagworthy’s fly, and ply my trade to the parents of any children who might come by to play games.  And come they did.  To the tune of 8,000 people.  The games were played constantly, and I was almost constantly discussion different facets of medicine to people, grossing some out with my extracted teeth, and getting really good questions about my setup.  At one point I took a short walk, and saw a gentleman who looked familiar pass me.  It was Bill Barker, who portrays Thomas Jefferson in Colonial Williamsburg.  He was there to put on the play Jefferson and Adams in Carlisle, but was doing some shopping of his own. He portrays a fantastic Jefferson, and one that actually inspired me to learn more about the man many years ago during a trip to Williamsburg with my family.  So I called out to him, and told him such.  It was great to talk to him, and he even came down to see my setup.  He complimented me on my kit and said that I looked to be doing a great job.   He then relayed to me a story about the beloved Jefferson and his last days- he actually died of Prostate Cancer! A fascinating story I can add to my bag of ancedotes when discussing things such as cancer and common ailments during the Era.  A fantastic time indeed!

Saturday night I was honored with the privilege to have dinner with George Washington and Von Heer’s Provost company, who were extremely gracious to share their table, conversation, and even a taste of their dinner.  Mrs. Thompson (Kim), who does their cooking, is an exceptional cook.  She made a beautiful meat pie with potatoes and carrots, and the sample I got, I ate every bite.  Exquisite cooking.  That night I sat around the fire with them, keeping warm from the chill that was filling the air, watching a strange light in the sky, and just enjoying the company of new acquaintances.  I continue to be honored by the great people I meet in this hobby, and they are no exception.

Sunday morning I setup under the fly again, but I was not alone- Matt from our unit arrived and showed off his rifle and talked about it to the public while I again tried to pull out teeth and amputate broken arms.  However I ended up having an absolutely fascinating question from a girl of about 9 years old. She wanted to know about consumption. She had recently read a book that mentioned it, and wanted more information on the subject.  So I was able to inform her about the illness (Tuberculosis as we know it today) , what I would do to cure it, and how it took many lives.  A somber subject for someone so young, but still great to get a new, unique question.

Teardown went quickly, and I was grateful for it- which is odd for me at most events.  Perhaps its the fact that the season is almost over, or the chill in the air, or that I was out for 3 days instead of the usual 1 or 2 days that made me ready to come home, but I was definitely ready.

Next year, I hope that AHEC will take the suggestions of people to invite more groups or make it more of an 18th Century camping event like Market Fair.  I think the sutlers were grateful for the event, however it would have been a bit better if there were more people to buy their wares.  I think in total there were only about 60 actual reenactors (not including sutlers), and with 80 sutlers, I don’t know that it was a good sales event for any of them.  But we’ll see next year.  I’d also like to see the school groups scheduled with a bell or something so they only get 20 minutes at each site or so, so we don’t have overlap or backup of groups, which was a small problem we were having with them on Friday.

Kudos to AHEC for water, excellent port a potties, and making sure we were happy throughout.  Now if only we could shut down 81 while we’re there.

Upon arrival I was ordered off to the general hospital area, with a Doctor Bloodsworth, quite the knowledgeable gentleman from Virginia, near Williamsburg if memory serves me.  Together we have formed a formidable hospital, able to see all of the forces amassed without much delay or trouble.  Battallions from many different regions are arriving daily, and with them varying illnesses and melancholies, dropsies, and injuries that we have been tirelessly seeing to.  I dare say there’s been at least 2 nights I recall where we have been woken from sleep to ply our trade.

Doctor Bloodsworth has been most generous in providing me with some of the supplies I have been lacking, which are not easily obtained here on the frontier, which I am sure he will soon learn as well. Turpentine has been the most useful, but i do use it sparingly.  He has also provided me with additional Opium for which to make more laudanum, should the Men from Maryland be in the fray once again.

The most unfortunate case I have had thusfar while here has been one of the men who seems to have the symptoms of advanced consumption. While previously he had just been diagnosed with a persistent cough, he has started to spit blood more frequently.  He had been hiding it from his superior officers because of his sense of duty to King and Country, however, he ended up in my care when he passed out on the field during a troop assembly. I am most distressed to have to tell him that he will not be moving on with the troops, wherever we shall be on the march to next, but shall however be sent back to his home for treatment, which I hope for his sake will heal him and make him well enough again to fight.

Consumption is a horrible illness.  It begins with a simple cough, but then leads to blood in the spittle, trouble breathing, and if not treated appropriately, will lead to death, and a seemingly frightening death as well.  The body seems to waste away to nothingness, and the person can do naught but be attended to with comfrey tea and various poultices and balms, as well as bleeding in order to try to pull the humours back in order and restore the man’s spirits.  However, I am of a mind that perhaps there is more to this illness, as most of the individuals I have seen with this malady never seem to recover, and eventually perish as the illness assuages them.  A most distressing illness, if I dare say.  It truly makes you wonder what is on that person’s soul, that would keep that illness assaulting them.  Few things I’ve seen but a scar on the soul as well as the imbalance of humours seems to kill as harshly.

With all of the various battalions and regiments here, there has been the common practice of an Officer’s Mess for meals, and I have been so honored as of late to be allowed to dine with these Gentlemen.  At the fort, there is little ceremony to be stood upon, so it is nice for a few moments to have some Civility about, especially with such men of distinction.  Saturday night I had the great honor to dine with Mr. Washington, Commander of the Regiment of Virginia, as well as our fine Captain, and other Commanders, Sargents, etc.  The food was exceptional compared to our meager meals at Cumberland, and the wine was strong and full of flavor.  It was a much welcomed change, but even  as we enjoyed each other’s company, the somber cloud of why we are all brought together still hangs over the candles and dining table.  Many late night discussions have been had about if we are winning or losing this great war, as well as the general questions we all seem to ask ourselves in our quite moments.  What is Parliament saying about this engagement, when will more supplies and troops arrive, and what will our next move be?  There are already rumblings that we will be sent home for the winter, and I am curious as to the validity of those rumblings.  It would be nice to return to the shop for the winter months to assist Charlotte, as well as to make sure the books are in proper order and perhaps take on a partner and subsequently an apprentice.  However, that would then make me wonder if I should return to the Fort when spring begins to come, and I’ve no doubt that Charlotte would make protestations to that effect, strictly for her fear of my death.

The candle grows dim, and I must yet check on the Consumption patient once more tonight before retiring fully to my  slumbers.