He knew that Jacob was paraphrasing the politician’s ramblings. Jacob Van Braam was an accomplished interpreter and as such was deft at thinning out the unnecessary. “So where exactly is Legardeur de Repentign, your captain interpreter?” the Major said making a rolling motion with his hands, encouraging Jacob’s immediate translation.
“He’s traveling from Presque Isle,” said Van Braam interpreting the politician. “But we’re confident we’ll be receiving an update shortly, if you could just be patient.” Patient, that’s all I’ve been thought the major as he shifted in his seat, traveling from fort to fort trying to find someone who will take responsibility. Finally we were able to track down the politician Saint Pierre here at Fort Le Beouf. If not we might have had to travel all the way north to the great lake and fort Presque Isle.
The Commander of French forces in the Norther Teritory, Legardeor de Saint Pierre was older than the Major had hoped, probably closer to twice his age. He had imagined the Legardeor along with the French contingent this far west to be more like frontiers-men and trappers. But Saint Pierre was neither curt nor gruff, and actually very well mannered for this part of the world. The Major watched Saint Pierre’s long fingers work deftly as he spoke, moving from digit to digit in a meticulous manner. Just like most politicians he was accomplished at prattle.
At least I’ve been able to collect some knowledge of their strengths and locations thought the Major. I wouldn’t have believed it unless I saw it with my own eyes. Governor Dinwiddie was right, these French are actually going to try to take control of the Forks of the Ohio, and the savages are helping them. Oh well it will all be over shortly, as soon as I get this new Legardeur to sign or reject Dinwiddie’s letter. Hopefully he’ll make a decision quickly after the arrival of Repentign and we can be on our way. Unfortunately since Saint Pierre won’t accept Van Braam’s interpretation of the letter, we will have to stay here at Le Beouf until the arrival of his interpreter.
“So it’s all settled then, I’ll have someone show you both to your quarters,” finished the politician.
“Uh, alright that’ll have to do,” replied the Major. As he shifted forward his chair let out a heavy creek as his six foot tall frame rose from the seat. With any luck he hoped his accommodations will have better furnishings.
“Good day to you Legardeur de Saint Pierre.”
“Au revoir Major Washington.”
They traded the warm comfort of the Legardeor’s office for the sting of the Allegheny winter. As they walked the Major couldn’t help but think how the French have adapted to this frontier life so much differently than the British. The best example was the fort. It was impressive with over one hundred men, a large number of officers, 50 birch canoes and 70 pine canoes, many of which were unfinished. It was constructed on the southwest fork of the creek, almost surrounded by the water. The bastions were made of sharpened piles driven deep into the ground, making a continuous wall more than 12-feet high all the way around the fort. Port holes for cannon and loop-holes for small-arms were cut into the wall. Each bastion mounted eight six-pound cannon and an additional four-pound cannon guarded the gate. Inside the bastions stood a guard-house, chapel, doctor’s lodging and the Legardeor’s private stores. Outside of the fort were several log barracks, some covered with bark, others with boards. In addition, there were stables, a smithy and other buildings. I must remember to put in my journal about those fastenings and the reinforcement on that wall, thought the Major. Damn ingenious French. Probably stole that idea from the Germans. They, along with the Dutch are showing up all over the frontier especially in Pennsylvania.
The Major knew that as the frontier was slowly being civilized, the savages were being pushed back across the Allegheny into the Ohio country and the balance was being populated. The trappers were first to arrive, then the French coming in from the north. Their control of the northern territory was formidable. But the British high command controlled the east coast and all the important ports; Philadelphia, Boston and New York. Dinwiddie’s colonial militia keeps things under control in Virginia Country and as far south as necessary. But the danger was real if the French could control the waterways of the forks of Ohio. Given enough time they could establish forts starting at Le Beouf along the Allegheny River the way south keep going until they connected with their forces in the southern delta. That would effectively block westward expansion of the frontier and keep British forces bottled up in the east. All the French would need to worry about at that point would be keeping the savages at bay.
The savages are still a problem this far west. Especially with the French stirring things up. Apparently the French have some good trading relationship with the Seneca. Those were French muskets and blankets I saw at Chief Guyasuda’s camp when we passed through earlier in the week. No matter, thought the Major once the British send a real general and some disciplined troupes out here the situation that will change. This mission will help to persuade the British command that events out here demand immediate attention. If I can get an answer from someone out here about Governor Dinwiddie’s letter before we all freeze to death.
The French private led them briskly across the court. They don’t want me lingering around, he thought as he followed. There isn’t much to see anyway, I’ve already figured their strength from being dragged from fort to fort. Look at those barrels stacked up against that building, these people make no sense, careful about things that don’t matter and sloppy about things that do. He noted that Jacob didn’t seem to notice, obviously eavesdropping on the soldier’s conversations as we walk.
“Here you go, sir. Please call on your … attendant if you need anything,” the French private sneered and Jacob interpreted his comments deadpanned. The private directed Jacob to his left to the quarters for him and the other members of their party.
“Thank you, but I shant need anything else.”
The door was shut, but not locked. It doesn’t matter though, because he knew that he was being watched. His quarters were right across from the guard station. Attendants indeed.