November 28 1773

Cap. says we're off the coast a' France, and there are sure to be some privateers near. Will says we won't get through without a fight.

November 27 1773

The storm is gone and the sea has quieted down. Our damage is five small leaks and one big one. One of our masts went overboard and the crew and us soldiers are done.
Of course we soldiers were the ones who have to pump the leaks.

November 26 1773

The Frenchman is gone, but the storm still rages. We lost two men when a wave swept over the deck. I dont think I'll be able to stand this much longer.

November 25 1773

Storm! All hands on deck... must go... Frenchman sighted.

November 24 1773

We've only been aboard for a day and I've already been sick thrice. Poor Charles 'as been sick ten times and looks as green as the grass in our pasture at home.

We're cramped down in the hull with 30 other men altogether we're sixty. The people who planed this voyage are plain stupid... Of course Arth-I mean Captain gets a private cabin.

November 21 1773

We'll be shipped out early cause of the season gett'in bad or some such.
Will tells me we should be on ship by the 23.

November 20 1773

The blasted recruitment officer put me in the stinkin filthy infantry! shoot 'im.
I'm in the 8Th regiment of Scouts, my commanding officer is a dandy Brit from a wealthy family in Sunderland: Captain Arthur Wuster of the 8Th Regiment of Scouts. William Onner called him a dandy Brit to his face, and got twenty lashes for his troubles.
I'm being shipped out on the 28th.

November 18 1773

I start this journal as I join the Redcoats at the recruitment building in Edinburgh. I've been told I'll be shipped to India to fight the blasted French and natives. I hope to be in the cavalry. I have experience with horses.

The Menturian and The Huinduan