I was born and raised in the Scottish highlands in the clan Cameron. Though there was political strife, I was
unaware of most of it, spending my time learning stitches and how to fasion designs with my needle. My Mother &
Grandmother were excellent needlewomen and taught me well.
At age 17 my world was turned upside down when after defeat at Culloden, my Father gathered up his household and
we were foreced to flee for our very lives. We made our way across the Western Islands and eventually with
secret help made the journey to France. There we joined Charles Stuart and his followers at the French Court of Louis
XV. My Mother's skill with a needle was soon discovered and she and I both began to do fine needlework on
the gowns of fine court ladies. It was during this time that I learned to work with silk ribbon. Silk ribbon embroidery
which was later called "Rococco" work was becoming fashionable on the ladies gowns and gloves and shoes - even men desired
it done on their waistcoats. I learned to love the feel of silk and became skilled at creating flowers and all sorts
of designs using this lustrous fiber.
Our lives soon changed again as Charles Stuart was expelled from France due to terms of a treaty within two years,
and my family left France at that time as well. I however, stayed and continued to learn more of the craft of embroidery.
I was 19 now and felt very grown up. I lived along the rue St. Honere which had shops with fine goods that
were much sought after by the high born ladies.
It was about this time I met a dashing young French Marine by the name of Henri. Henri was of noble birth and
held a commission in his corp. He was excited about the possibility of seeing New France, and shared that excitement
with me. I too began to wish to see this new world and soon after we were married. We had a simple ceremony at
the lovely church of St. Germain des Pres surrounded by guilt and painted pillars. Henri was then posted to the
New World and we were parted for a time.
I continued to do fine ribbonwork and waiting for the day when I too would sail to the new world. One day I
received a letter, Henri had arranged passage for me and would meet me at the Port of New Orleans to take me to my new
home. I arrived in New Orleans and we met joyously again after being parted for so long. We then traveled
in a small batteau up the winding river to a small fort set on the broad prairies along that river. It was called Fort
de Chartres and there were many French people living there so I felt at home in this strange new land.
Sadly, on our way up the river Henri became ill, the dreaded cholera had made an appearance among several of the
troops at that time. And I suddenly found myself a young widow in a strange new land. To support myself and the
babe I would soon have I continued to do fine needlework for the officers ladies at the fort and town ladies in Prairie de
Rocher.
to be continued....
Mar sin leat, an drasda (goodbye for now)
