Lake Champlain, tenth and eleventh of September in the year 2005

Encampment at Fort Ticonderoga

Commanding Lake Champlain on the invasion route from Canada, Fort Ticonderoga is soaked in history, from not only the Revolutionary War but also the French and Indian War.

Thousands of soldiers perished here in both wars, from battle and disease. Their ghosts are often reported to be seen in the forest that now covers the Old French Lines.

The stone fort has been well restored, and resembles a castle in may respects. Flags flutter and it's battlements bristle with cannon.

The camps of the rebels and the Crown Forces lie below the fort, either side of the main road.

Dawn broke as our sentinels roused the sleeping soldiers of the King's Own for morning exercise, consisting of push-ups, crunches and a run up to the fort and down to the gate.

Coffee was brewing as we returned. The smoke from the first campfires mixing with the morning mist. We breakfasted on oatmeal sweetened with sugar and dried fruit.

The serjeant inspected the men and kit was cleaned and polished. Drill followed, with firing practice for the awkward men. There were reports that rebel scouts had been seen in the vicinity and the Colonel had warned us to prepare for any emergency. We pushed out a patrol to investigate the reports but found nothing untoward.

The day warmed to a pleasant early Fall day. Bright sunshine and comfortably warm.

In late morning, Serjeant Woolf was ordered to drill the light detachments of several Regiments, and was well rewarded by the Captain in charge of the detachment with praise for his skill and that of his men.

After lunch, word came down that the rebel position had been discovered by another patrol. The camp beat to arms and the army formed up. We marched out, the Light detachment leading the column - preceded only by the savages and a handful of rangers. The wood was so thick we were obliged to march in the Indian File. Strict silence was maintained.

About two of the clock in the After-Noon, contact was made with the enemy. The Lights deployed in a clearing and began skirmishing. We pushed the enemy pickets back to give the army room to deploy behind and beside us. The air was soon thick with the crack of muskets, the cheers of men and the fearful howl of the savages. We pushed the enemy as best we could but unfortunately they had 2 light field guns that commanded our advance. Attempts to flank them were fruitless as they were much superior to us in numbers, and eventually the King's forces were obliged to retire, abandoning most of the wounded to the tender mercies of the infamous rebels.

The serjeant was much pleased with the performance of all members of the King's Own, especially the awkward men and those convalescents who had stood to arms to meet the emergency. We all prayed that God would give us a chance soon to redeem our honour.

The rebels did not follow up, thankfully, and we were able to eat our supper in peace.

Sunday brough more training and a second action in which the honour of the King's forces was restored.