LOUDOUN & THE DOCTOR'S DILEMMA

HE next event I am scheduled to attend shall be the Garrison Weekend at Fort Loudoun at the end of the month. It is my belief that I will have to leave my blue box of medical equipment with Ensign Boggs so it can be transported to Fort Niagara in July... but I do so with great trepidation.

It concerns me to do without my clever blue box for such a prolong'd period. Of course, in a closer examination of my schedule, the only event I have marked between Loudoun's May Garrison and the Niagara siege in July is the "Discussion of Religion" at the Red River Meeting House on June 20-21.

I don't suppose I'll require the tools again until July... but I worked so hard to get them, it pains me to turn loose of them. Perhaps there is another option?

I shall have to dedicate some thought to the problem.

image by Rebecca Llewellyn

Martin's Follow-up

My trip to Martin's Station was fantastic! Even being soaked to the bone in a wig couldn't dampen my spirits or enthusiasm for this great event!

I was introduced to Wayne Milton proper, who does a variety of characters. At Martin's he was portraying Capt. Ben Logan. He'd brought a big group with him and a bevy of horses as well.

I've been around Wayne before, but we've never been introduced until this event. We even participated together in the treaty signing last year at Rock Castle.

Wayne really knows his stuff, and can fall into character at the drop of a hat. He was a blast to play off of.



Wayne Milton as Capt. Logan rushing into the fray.

God bless mr. Jack Johnson for getting some pictures of me doing the surgery, or else I would have NO images of myself at the event at all!

I had to work hard to rope volunteers into being 'wounded', but I finally got a few. I hope they had as much fun as I did at it... one guy actually volunteered to 'bite the bullet' and chewed a lead musket-ball while I operated on him. I told him he could use the leather piece I made especially for that purpose... but he said he'd chew the lead ball. "I do it all the time" he said. Yerg!


I mean, just LOOK how much fun THIS guy was having!


I love this one because I'm obviously wiping my nose as I operate. Yes, I did that on purpose!

The RAID at MARTINS pt4

Saturday May 9- Awoke after a fantastic night's sleep on my new straw bed, ate and dressed. I stashed my medical equipment inside the fort in the event that it should be needed later.

I encountered mr. Young whom you may recall as the gentleman who made the 'fantastic request' some time ago. We spent a good deal of time together talking and walking about. After we parted, I aided mr. Jas. Moore in setting up his book binding equipment under the shelter of a tent out among the shops.

Tensions were high, and scouts reported heavy Indian activity to the Southwest. The militia was put on guard and a batch were sent out on foot, as well as a group on horseback. I believe those on horseback were from Capt. Ben Logan's Fayette County Militia. After a time, they could be seen returning through the woods. Capt. Logan is easily identified by the white horse that he rides.

They had just about gotten back to the station when shots rang out! Capt. Martin shouted to get everyone into the safety of the fort walls. There was a group of men out tending gardens and chopping wood that were caught without a means of defense. One was injured and had to be carried back in by another nearby man.

Capt. Martin opened the gate to let additional militia out to do battle with the Indian force.

The battle in images...

More of the battle...


After the battle, young mr. Baldwin and I scoured the field for survivors, and I was agrieved to discover that Capt. Johnson, whom I had met earlier in the day, was laid out on the field of battle. He, and much of his company were down in the area near the blacksmith's shop. Mr. McBee, who was also with Johnson's group, was nowhere to be found.

We then set to the work of operating on the wounded. I removed musket balls from two men, and bits of wood from the right leg of young mr. Bealer just below the knee. Bealer was on the artillery crew for the fort's lone cannon, 'Vengeance'. The artillery piece helped to turn the tide of battle.


I instructed mr. Baldwin in the procedure as I went.

After I had completed my duties as surgeon, Capt. Martin decided it was safe for us to roam about outside the fort walls again.

I spent the remainder of the afternoon in the shops and had supper with Parson John and Maggie. We talked for quite some time.

Near sunset, I made my way back over the small rise toward the fort and was able to spy the settlers just outside the fort wall celebrating their earlier victory with music and dancing. I could see them from the hilltop where I was perched, it was quite a picturesque scene. Then, from the tree-line, I spotted a band of indians. They were in greater numbers than before. The battle raged, as I kept to the safety of the hilltop, unseen. With no weapon of my own in hand, I would do little good during the battle.

The indians were routed again, and once they had returned to the wilderness, I rushed onto the field to once again tend to the injured. Capt. Logan's men brought in one of their own from the field and put him upon the table with a musket ball in the shoulder.

The patient fought me ferociously, it took several surgeon's mates to hold him down, more so than usual. At one point his right arm came free and struck me in the stomach! I had to call another man over to take hold of the offending limb. In all, it required 4-5 men to hold him in position as I worked to remove the ball.

As I worked, I became suddenly aware of something that was quite a shock to me. I am fairly certain that the wounded soldier was a woman in men's dress! Perhaps this is the reason she fought me so adamantly, because she knew I would discover her secret if she were to be examined closely.

After a bit of consideration, I did not feel inclined to reveal her to her captain, and released her with her secret intact. If she were discovered, she would most certainly be exiled from the safety of the station, and that would serve no one in the end.

My evening was spent in revelry with Captain Ben Logan and his lot in their camp just outside the fort blockhouse. It began with all of the company gather'd around the fire as the Capt. told humorous stories about their company's past exploits. Once when mr. Mains earned the name of 'mr. Mange' and the Capt. ordering him to bathe due to his smell, or be thrown bodily into the river by a group of his fellows.

Captain Logan was very animated, telling each story using different voices for each character and gesturing wildly throughout.

There was also set to be a wrestling match between one of the men from Logan's bunch and one from the Augusta County militia, but by the time Logan's man was ready for it, the other militia had gone to bed.

After a bit of roaming about and visiting, we all returned to Logan's camp and sang songs, many of the more ribald I had never heard before, and I have no doubt would shock even the saltiest of sailors. We had great fun!

The RAID at MARTINS pt3


image by Rebecca Llewellyn
Friday May 8- A restless night on the hard floor was interrupted by a morning shower that caused the roof to leak in a spot just above my head. I rose and dressed and waited for the rain to let up a bit while I made a breakfast from the provisions I had packed in. Nuts, dried cherries, a bit of salted beef, and a small apple. I finally decided that it had no intention to letting up, so I carried my blue box out and down to the fort so that I could demonstrate my trade. I was soaked to the bone by the time I arrived inside the gate.

I got the table dried off and ready just in time for the brief morning storm to give way to a period of clear sky. A goodly number of children stopped by to visit, and I spoke with them about the art and mystery of my profession. I was perplexed by some of their colorful attire and strange mannerisms, but was generally able to present to them in a manner they could understand.

At 10:30 gray skies and the threat of more rain sent me indoors to the land office to visit with mr. Moore where he had set up to bind books. Afterward, I visited the shops set up on the nearby hill. Whilst out, I met Jack Johnson, his friend mr. McBee and his daughter Sarah McBee. Mr. Johnson called out to me from across the fairway, and had with him one of the prints of the broadside I designed for the purpose of promoting the fair at Schoenbrunn Village in October of this year.

The wet weather and mud kept my boots and stockings soaked to the ankle causing a fearsome blister to be raised on the back of my left heel. I finally resolved to go barefoot for a time to allow my boots and stockings to dry out in the mid day sun. I then fetched some straw to use for my bed, as I was determined not to sleep upon the bare floorboards again. I found a quantity of straw and used three boards I found discarded in the cabin to make a rough frame to contain the straw, afterward laying my blankets for later that night.

I spent a good deal of my afternoon and evening at the outpost with mr. Deeds, young mr. Bealer and Capt. Martin.

The RAID at MARTINS pt2


Thursday May 7- The paths that lead me over the mountains and into the valley where the station is located wound through some of the most beautiful land of God's creation. The colorful blooms of spring had giv'n way to the deep rich greens of summer in the Gap. Every creek and river brimming over their banks with the recent rains.

I felt fortunate that I did not encounter any of the local natives as I travelled, as I understand from Capt. Martin's letter that they are in quite an unsettled state.

I arrived just as the sun had fallen below the ridge that towers behind the forted station, and entered the outpost that lies some distance from the station itself. After conversing for a bit with Capt. Martin, he assigned me to an unfinished cabin nearby that he informed me had been constructed by his brother mr. Brice Martin.

The cabin was in quite a state, no chinking between the logs in the walls, and nothing but holes where the windows, doors and chimney should be. But the house had a solid roof and a floor that would aid in protecting me from the elements, which presented themselves in abundance during the evening.

I was so exhausted from my travels, I could do little but unroll my blankets onto the wood plank floor, place my meager belongings in a small pile near my head, and fall asleep.

The RAID at MARTINS pt1

This place is fifty miles in advance of the frontier, and on the road to Kentucky. In 1776 the great Cherokee war broke out, the Cherokees were then a great and powerful people, and their strength unbroken, living not far from Powell’s Valley, they commenced a sudden, devastating war, on the whole frontier border… William Martin’s words describe the situation at Martin’s Station in the year of 1776.


A LETTER FROM CAPT. MARTIN


At Martin's Station in Powell's Valley
Friday the 30th day of April 1776 ANNO

Old friend,

I am writing this letter in haste, for at this very instant a large party of Shawnees have been spied crossing the Cumberland River. Mr. Redd has assured me that they are intent upon war for they are painted, which is their custom. To worsen matters I have been inform'd that Dragging Canoe spoke against the treaty made by mr. Henderson, and has returned to the Upper Cherokee towns and is gathering his young warriors. It is my suspicion that both parties may twine together and fall upon us in a fortnight.

I have called in every scout with exception of three, which I have dispatched to the North, west, and south of this valley. I now have thirty six men at this place, all with rifles and lead, however powder is short, and I do not know how long it will hold. Capt. Boone is in Kintuckee with a party of thirty good men, and I pray he will return here in short manner for he will be greatly needed if a battle ensues.

The fort is now strong and will hold any attack that may come. our provisions are well, as we have plenty of buffalo meat, and the men have begun to move the cattle and horses near the fort. The women and children are making bullits and collecting bandages, which I pray will not be a necessity.

I have sent dispatch to Col. Preston and have asked him to send men from the Holston to ride to our aid, and pray that upon his request you grant him permission to do so. We must hold this valley at once, for to turn now would cause panic throughout the Clinch and Holston settlements, and I fear we would lose all we have suffered for.

I am sir your most humble servant,

Jos. Martin

AWAY TO VIRGINIA pt 3

ARDLY a moment has passed in the last few days that my mind has not been occupied with the coming adventure to Martin his Station. Only a brief report today, there is much to be done! The skies have been watercolour shades of indigo that bleed into gray for days, all moving Eastward toward my eventual destination near the Cumberland Gap. But there has been only light rain for the past few hours, so perhaps that bodes well for my chances of staying dry whilst at Martins. This shall be my final entry into this journal until my return.


The Doctor in the Loudoun Infirmary, not yet ready for the day.


Parson John and the Doctor have a drink and share each other's company at the Beggars & Boar Tavern at Loudoun's last Trade Fair.

On an unrelated note, The fine folks at Fort Loudoun have posted a new series of images from last year's Trade Fair. Have a look!

AWAY TO VIRGINIA pt 2


received word from Doc Muzzy late Monday that he would not be able to travel to Martin his Station because he has been called away to the Canadas. Bless mr. Jas. Moore who has stepped in and allowed me to take shelter with him in his camp. I was afear'd that I might have no place to lay my head upon my arrival.

I will be discussing medical practices on Friday to the young visitors that pass through. I have it on good authority that there will be a goodly number of young visitors throughout the day.

My primary concern now is that the falling weather that has been so plentiful of late will continue on into Virginia. The dark clouds and rain have been traveling Eastward toward the Gap, soaking everything in its path.

AWAY TO VIRGINIA


HE girls and I finally managed to get out to the Bledsoe Fort Fair on Sunday. The rain had created quite the quagmire and the girls and I ended up soaked nearly to the knees in mud before leaving. Attendance seemed fair considering the weather.

Rose finally got her new dress, a lovely light green in the same style as her two older sisters. She was so proud. The hem is absolutely filthy now after a day spent running in the mud.

For myself, I purchased a new pair of stockings for the season, in a color I have never seen before. They have a very natural, walnut dyed appearance that will go well with my breeches.

Tonight I will begin to pack my gear and tools to make the trek overland to Virginia and Martin his Station. I have sent a letter ahead to let Capt. Martin know that my services as Physician and surgeon will be at his disposal upon my arrival.





Captain Joseph Martin
as portrayed by Billy Heck
image by Andy Knez


Upon the Week's End

HE weather seems not to wish to cooperate, but if it should, the girls and I shall attend the Bledsoe's Fort trade fair upon the morrow. So far today it has rained to excess, flooding the immediate area in a most inconvenient manner. The skies are grey and there seems to be no break in sight.

Rose is in need of a new dress and I believe that the Irish Maid shop will be set up and open for business. I will trade in some of Rose's older clothing for credit toward the new dress. Rose is very excited. Giv'n the shoddy and threadbare nature of her current clothing, I too am excited.

After the Bledsoe fair, I will be traveling East again to Martin's Station to aid in the defense of the Station against the local savage. I have made arrangements to stay with Doc Muzzy in his tent. It is my sincere hope that the weather will be favorable whilst I am there, and I will be able to sleep in the fresh, open air. I will begin packing on Sunday evening for the journey.