A Letter of Intent Renew'd

I have posted this about, and even done so in the past... doing so in this very journal in 2009, but wanted to renew the sentiments for the coming season.

My dear friends,

I write today you to tell you of my RENEWED intentions for this coming year so as to spare you any confusion or frustration when next you encounter me. If you have perused my journal of late, you may have discover'd my intention to remain 'in character' during my travels for the coming year.

There is no doubt in my mind that this could be difficult for me, but also for those around me; and I do not wish to alienate any of my friends or compatriots. Things will not be much different, I imagine, than they have been in the past... you've all met the Doctor during YOUR travels, and know the agreeable sort of fellow he can be.

I want to ask that you all help me to do this by not trying to 'snap me out of it' by mentioning a bunch of modern stuff to me whilst at an event. I believe that enough of you have my email address and are friends with me on various forums, message boards and social networking sites... that any out of character conversation can safely take place there at any time.

I tell you now that if you attempt to talk to the Doctor about movies, internet, cellphones and the like, he will be terribly confused.

I daresay I will go one step further and challenge YOU once again to give your interpretation and character some thought this winter. It's no fun if I don't have a few of you to play along!

Special thanks to everyone that has encouraged me (verbally & otherwise) to do this in the past, I look forward to the additional research that I need to do over the fall and winter to get me where I need to be... and the Doctor looks forward to meeting you in the year to come. This has the potential to be a really fantastic learning experience!

Allow me to present my compliments to you and yours; and if, in any of your affairs, I can render you any acceptable service, I beg you will use that freedom with which I wish you to command, my friends,

Yr Humble & Most Obt Svt,

The Doctor

A return to Martin's Station

A grim reminder of the dangers that await upon ye frontier.

N a few week's time I shall return to the Powell Valley and Martin His Station in Virginia amongst rumors of unrest between the settlers and the Cherokee. Again I have received no word from Capt. Joseph Martin himself, although I have recently decided that he is not very good about returning correspondence. He is a busy man and can not be faulted this one flaw.

This year, circumstance would dictate that my daughters will be joining me on this adventure to the Cumberland Gap. I am fortunate that I have recently retain'd a governess to care for them while I undoubtedly ply my trade.

Capt. Logan on horseback.

Attempts have also been made to communicate with Capt. Logan, to no avail. I camp'd with Capt. Logan's unit last year and have found him to be a most amiable and generous fellow.

I shall be honest when I say that war with the Cherokee seems imminent. If you have read my journal before, you will recall then, dear Reader, that I have been placed in dangerous circumstances in the past. I have no doubt that this will be another in a long string of such events. You might recall some of my experiences with the Cherokee... I have been distrustful of them since that fateful day in August of '60 at old Fort Loudoun.

As has always been my custom in days past, I shall keep my journal up in ye field and transcribe it here for you, my dear friends, upon the occasion of my return.

I will bid you all farewell for the time being, and should I not be so fortunate as to return home again, know that I most sincerely wish you all health and success; and shall always be, with great respect, dear Friends,

Your most affectionate & obt. servant,

The Doctor

N.B. Whenever your leisure will permit, it will always give me the greatest pleasure to be informed of your welfare.