Soldier of Fortune:
My older brother Daniel Knowlton is logically, as the first son, the one to stay home on the farm helping our father support the family. I am the one to answer the call for Ashford Militia volunteers. I’m convinced my future is elsewhere. The glory and glamour of a soldier of fortune is enticing. I am going to volunteer to the Ashford Town Militia.
The blood thirsty French and Indians have been marauding and slaughtering our people of the frontier Towns and Villages at will. The British Army seems incapable of stopping them. The task has largely fallen to the individual farmer and his neighbors. Their rifles must be continuously at hand.
The British have made a grandiose plan , but we know, if its to get done, its up to us., Their men in the line are brave, obedient and look fine on Parade, but few of their Officers are capable commanders. The Officers are more interested in the status the gold braided scarlet uniform gives them.
Here I stand, with my friends and fellow farmers, our faith in God, and little training, but the determination to stand before and stop those who threaten or right to the land we hold.
The command from our Captain will soon start us on our long march to Albany Town. Along the Boston Road to Hartford, then up the Albany Turnpike to Northern New York.. I estimate it’ll take about seven days to reach our destination.
The word among the men is, the Mohawk Tribe is on our side but the other tribes in what is known as the Iroquois Confederation { the Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora } are as friendly with French and prefer staying neutral. They like being able to trade with both sides in the conflict.
Include pictures of Ashford Church and road West
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