"Les Renards"

The Foxes Come Home to Roust

La Milice de Fort Saint-Frederic came home to Saint-Frederic for the
1st time in 2003. Clad in brayet (breechclout), mitasse (leggings), & tuque (caps), made from rouge wool released from the stores of Louis le Roi (King Louis XV), along with their shirts & sashes.

La Milice de Fort Sant-Frederic serpentined through hill, furrow, brush,
& deer path, nipping at & taking small bites out of these English
bears who only saw glimses of their red tails. These cunning renards (foxes) lured off a ranging bear pack, and then systematically ensnared them in their den. They were then powerless.The bellowing bears (cannon) were also baited & drawn out by les Renards de Ft Saint-Frederic, only to be ensnared by brethren milice. The day was theirs'.

Thus the legend of the Renards Rouge du Bois (Red Foxes of the Woods) was born. Their red legs, head and tails only briefly seen in flashes when they pop out to nip at heels, ensnare, & bring down lumbering Anglais bears. Their Bravery at Saint-Frederic was rewarded by their sergeant with red mittens so their paws will be able to scratch the Anglais in the winter as well.

"Vive Les Renards!"
-- Dion
"Les Renards":
The Foxes Come Home to Roust ©2004 Dean Barnes

 

©Gene Tozzi, First Ulster County Militia, All Rights Reserved