A Visit to the Fort at No. 4

(With Barnabas the Bushcraft Bear)

Yesterday we returned to one of our favorite places — the living history museum at the Fort at No. 4.

Over the past few years, we have visited four times, and each time we leave with the same feeling: gratitude. Gratitude for the dedication of the reenactors, for the careful preservation of early colonial life, and for the quiet seriousness with which history is kept alive there along the Connecticut River.

There is something deeply grounding about standing inside timbered walls, hearing the river move beyond them, and imagining the uncertainty of those early frontier days.

This time, however, we did not travel alone.

We brought with us a fellow historian, photographer, journalist, and occasional philosopher — Barnabas the Bushcraft Bear.

It was his first visit.

He walked the grounds thoughtfully (as bears do), examined the fortifications, and inspected the storehouses with professional curiosity. He listened carefully to the interpreters, studied the layout of the garrison, and spent a considerable amount of time contemplating the placement of cannon.

Upon our return home, he insisted — quite firmly — that a formal letter must be sent.

And so, we present his correspondence, delivered here by the fastest means available:

A Letter from Barnabas the Bushcraft Bear

Sir,

I lay aside my present Employments to take Pen in Paw, that I may convey unto you my sincere Thanks for the many Civilities and Kindnesses shewn me during my Visit to your Garrison yesterday.

Having now had full Opportunity to view your Situation upon the Connecticut River, I am persuaded that Fort at No. 4 standeth in a most advantageous Posture for the Defence of these Frontiers against any Incursion whatsoever and likewise against all Manner of Want and Distress; for I have beheld both the Strength of your Works and the good Store wherewith you are furnished in Victuals, Shot, and Powder.

The Journey, though it carried me through many Miles of wild and unsettled Country, proved a most worthy Undertaking; and I return Thanks unto Divine Providence that all Persons whom we encountered were peaceably inclined, so that we passed without Harm or Molestation.

Now being returned unto my poor Cabin at Massaco Plantation in the Colony of Hartford, I purpose, God willing, to make another Progress to your Quarters in the Spring Season next, that I may continue these necessary Observations and Inspections.

And so, until the Time when we shall again meet, I remain, Sir,

Your assured Friend and most humble Servant,

Barnabas the Bushcraft Bear

We cannot improve upon Barnabas’ eloquence.

What we will add, in our more modern language, is this:

The Fort at No. 4 does something rare. It does not merely display history — it inhabits it. The structures, the tools, the gardens, the river view — everything speaks quietly of endurance, resilience, and daily courage.

We left once again with full hearts.

And it seems we shall return again in the spring — if only to accompany Barnabas on his “necessary Observations and Inspections.”

Until then, we remain grateful visitors.