Illinois Company Blog, Rogers' Rangers, Jaeger's Battalion

Rewards for Indian Scalps

2012-01-07T21:01:00.002-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great article about Rewards for Indian Scalps.

Myths of the Blunderbuss

2011-12-20T00:55:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great article about myths of the Blunderbuss. Please also note the paragraph where in July 8, 1773, Captain Stedman said: "During this, however, I met with a small accident, by firing myself one of the blunderbusses, which I placed like a musquet against my shoulder; when I received such a stroke by its rebounding, as threw me backward over a large hogshead of beef, and had nearly dislocated my right arm. This however it seems was owing to my ignorance of the manner of using the blunderbuss, as I have since been informed that all such weapons ought to be fired under the hand, especially when heavily charged; and then by swinging round the body suddenly, the force of the rebound is broken, and the effect scarcely sensible. I insert this only to shew [sic] in what manner the heavily-loaded muscatoons [sic] ought always to be fired; especially since, without any aim, the execution from their wide mouth is always equally fatal.”

THE LOST TREASURE of ST. FRANCIS

2011-12-04T01:26:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an interesting article about THE LOST TREASURE of ST. FRANCIS.

Britain’s Brown Bess

2011-11-06T19:16:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an interesting article about Britain's Brown Bess.

Flintlock Frizzen Bounce

2011-10-06T21:07:00.000-05:00

In the Sept/Oct 2011 issue of Muzzleloader magazine, there's an interesting article about frizzen bounce. When a frizzen bounces (the author claims most do) the heel of the frizzen can hit the top of the flint and cause flints to go bad sooner than they should in some cases. You can test for this by putting masking tape over the top of the flint, from the top flint jaw to the sharp edge of the flint. They dry fire and look for a line that indents the masking tape. If you see a line in the tape, your frizzen is bouncing back and the heel of the frizzen is striking on top of the flint. The author of the article says to prevent flint damage, extend the leather that holds the flint in the jaws, so the leather goes a little past the line in the making tape, or in some cases clear down to the sharp edge of the flint. This cushions the blow of the frizzen heel when it hits on top of the flint.

I tested this on my Brown Bess, and sure enough my frizzen is bouncing too, I saw a line in the tape where the heel of the frizzen hit the flint about 1/8 of an inch back from the sharp edge. I haven't tried yet to extend the leather holding the flint so the leather goes down nearly to the sharp edge - but I'm going to do that soon and see what happens. In my case it may not be affecting my flints much, because Brown Bess flints are so thick and strong. Plus the frizzen is hitting my flint about 1/8" back from the edge where it's still fairly thick, and it may not be hitting very hard.

Anyhow, you might want to test your gun too. I guess nobody really knew much about it happening until some slow motion pictures showed it happening a few years ago - at least that's what the author said. And now we can prove it by looking for that line in the tape on top of the flint. If there's a line, the frizzen is bouncing and in worse case (for some guns) it's whacking and chipping the flint every shot - which can lead to short flint life - at least that's the theory.

Here's some more info about frizzen bounce and some interesting links to slow motion videos of flintlocks being fired at this link: http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?action=printpage;topic=14676.0

The Movie Crimson Bond

2011-09-27T19:45:00.004-05:00

Crimson Bond is a 70-minute motion picture produced by Jas Townsend & Son. Crimson Bond is a fictional tale, not a documentary. Its theme of friendship, loyalty, and redemption, combined with a bit of lighthearted humor in the midst of darker circumstances, is intended to entertain the entire family. There are 14 episodes so far posted on YouTube. Three more episodes remain. You can also watch the entire production without interruption on DVD, available at Jas Townsend & Son web site. And if you search for Jas Townsend on YouTube, you'll find quite a few instructional videos they have created.

Northwest Passage

2011-08-01T21:48:00.002-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to the Northwest Passage movie on YouTube.

18th Centrury Healing

2011-07-18T12:17:00.003-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to some great reading about both the history of 18th Century medicine & a number of misconceptions about it.

Tobacco use by Native North Americans

2011-06-20T09:41:00.005-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Google Books preview of "Tobacco use by Native North Americans: sacred smoke and silent killer" by Joseph C. Winter.

Muzzleloading Safety - this could happen to you.

2011-04-18T23:37:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a good article about muzzleloading safety.

Flintlocks: How to Shoot Them

2011-04-14T22:17:00.010-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an informative article "Flintlocks: How to Shoot Them" by Paul Vallandigham.

*** WARNING *** Please note that one of our most knowledgeable readers says "This article has information that can be interpreted in the wrong way & thus be the cause of an accident. Leaving a gap between ball & charge for the purpose of supplying more oxygen is not common sense, and it can result in the barrel bulging or exploding. One is better off ramming too hard than too little. Modern black powder does not crush easily outside of a mortar & pestle. Experienced shooters may understand those instructions, but a novice is more likely to err on the light side after reading that info rather than the firm side."

We agree, unfortunately there are a few words in this article like "Leave extra air" & "extra oxygen" which could be interpreted wrong by an inexperienced shooter. What the author really means in the article is to seat the ball on the top of the powder at a consistent depth with a marked ramrod, but don't ram it down too hard and crush the powder.
However most muzzleloader shooters recommend seating the ball firmly against the powder, even if it does crush some of the powder.

The Buffalo Trace Website

2011-03-17T09:04:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to The Buffalo Trace website for enjoyable reading about many things including "chewed bullets flying" and otter skin bags.

Gutenberg EBook of Ponteach, by Robert Rogers

2011-03-16T21:58:00.006-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Robert Roger's stage play, Ponteach [Pontiac]: or the Savages of America (1766), significant as an early American drama and for its sympathetic portrayal of Americans Indians.

Fascine Knife

2011-03-10T22:42:00.005-06:00

Jas Townsend sells a great Fascine knife, also called a "Bill Hook" or a Brush knife. Used for making fascines and clearing brush. They are a common item that shows up in Rev War site digs. This knife is made of a very sturdy, heavy blade with a riveted wood handle. Approx 16 inches long. Made in USA. Please note we have no interest in Jas Townsend other than you let you know they make great, reasonably priced products. CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Fascine knife.

Ranging, Pathfinding, Bushcraft & Survival Notes

2011-03-10T22:25:00.004-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great blog called Ranging, Pathfinding, Bushcraft & Survival Notes.

Mascouten Bay Longrifles Spring Rendezvous

2011-02-22T12:26:00.004-06:00

Date: April 16-17, 2011 Early Setup Date: April 15, 2011
Location: Mascouten Bay Longrifles grounds, Kettering Lane, Rushville, IL 62681 CLICK HERE FOR LINK to map.
Camp fee: $20 per lodge, allows on entry fee. Wood, water, latrines. Trader no additional if they shoot, otherwise a $20 prize plus camp fee. Shoot only: Rifle $20, trade gun $20, pistol $5 50/50 shoot flint or percussion or cap and ball revolver. No Pets, no dinner.
Contact: Harold Tyson, Beardstown, IL - day 217-323-2319 - evening 217-323-1745

The Settlement of the Appalachian Frontier

2011-02-22T12:00:00.001-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to some enjoyable reading about the settlement of the Appalachian frontier.

The Romance and Tragedy of Pioneer Life

2011-02-09T13:32:00.002-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to USGenNet's section titled: "THE ROMANCE AND TRAGEDY OF PIONEER LIFE". Please see CHAPTER V for Rogers' Rangers information. For lots of great reading, please don't miss the other chapters like CHAPTER VI "THE ADVENTURES OF THREE CAPTIVES".

Plus, please CLICK HERE FOR LINK to even more great reading at USGenNet's section titled: "COLONIAL AMERICA".

Reminiscences of the French War

2011-01-30T20:08:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to the website OPEN LIBRARY where many great books can be found, including: Reminiscences of the French War containing Roger's expeditions with the New-England rangers under his command, as published in London in 1765; with notes and illustrations. To which is added an account of the life and military services of Maj. Gen. John Stark; with notices and anecdotes of other officers distinguished in the French and revolutionary wars.

Women and Pipes

2011-01-21T00:29:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great web page that discusses Women and Pipes by Beth Maxwell Boyle. There's also lots of other great information at Beth's website, including 18th century cooking ware and early lighting. I promise you'll find a treasure trove of information there for both men and women - and Rogers' Ranger reenactors too.

Slipperyskin – Bear, Bigfoot, or Indian?

2011-01-18T21:40:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an interesting article at Vermonter.com that says the earliest written report about Slipperyskin came from a scout with Rogers' Rangers, who passed through unsettled country in 1759 returning from the raid on Odanak.

Roger's Ranger Joshua Goodenough's Old Letter

2011-01-15T23:54:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Harper's magazine, Volume 95. On page 878 there's a wonderful article " Joshua Goodenough's Old Letter" by Frederic Remington. Not only is it a great story, but there's also some great art by Remington contained within the article.

Fire from Flint & Steel

2011-01-05T09:14:00.001-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a good article on starting fires from flint and steel. Please note that it is not the historically correct way, but it should work well as a starting point for the inexperienced.

18th-century Military Reenactors Facial Hair

2011-01-01T21:01:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an interesting article on 18th-century military reenactors facial hair.

More Reasons For Bayonets

2011-01-01T02:29:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an interesting conversation on the Mohican WWWboard between Sarah M. and George A. Bray III - where George Bray said: "One other comment, regarding the loss of the use of a bayonet if a bayonet lug was not replaced. On May 6, 1759, the light infantry were initially given carbines without bayonets. Later, on July 5, 1759, they were were issued bayonets for them "as the want of ammunition may sometimes be supplied by that weapon, and because no man should leave his post under the pretense that all his cartridges are fired. In most attacks of the night, it must be remembered that bayonets are preferable to fire." This reference is in the orderly book of Major John Hawks & General Orders of Wolfe's Army."

Major Rogers and the Abenakis' Treasures

2010-12-12T14:11:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an article by Jacques Boisvert concerning Major Rogers and the Abenakis' Treasures.

The Accuracy Of Black Powder Muskets

2010-12-06T03:21:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an interesting article on The Accuracy Of Black Powder Muskets by Mike Willegal.

The Last Adirondack Mammoth

2010-11-22T22:19:00.002-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a neat story "The Last Adirondack Mammoth" originally published in the Dec.-Jan.-Feb. 1984/85 issue of the now defunct Barkeater magazine, is historical FICTION! There is no such journal! It is Tim Cordell's attempt at bringing to the public forefront, the obscure Battle on Snowshoes!

Woodsrunner's Diary

2010-10-28T10:07:00.003-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great blog called Woodsrunner's Diary.

Rogers' Rangers Wilderness Ordeal

2010-10-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great article on Rogers' Rangers Wilderness Ordeal.

General Israel Putnam - His Life

2010-10-28T00:43:00.004-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great web page about General Israel Putnam.

Putnam's Capture During the French and Indian War

2010-10-28T00:35:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an article about Putnam's capture during the French and Indian War.

Newspaper Coverage of the English and French War

2010-10-14T21:08:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great article concerning newspaper coverage of the English and French War.

French and Indian War information

2010-10-14T09:35:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to great information about the French and Indian War.

Robert Rogers and his Rangers - various articles

2010-10-13T03:07:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Robert Rogers and his Rangers - various articles in the My Military History blog.

Where Major Robert Rogers is buried

2010-10-13T02:49:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to information about where Robert Rogers is buried.

Music scores in Northwest Passage movie

2010-09-01T23:10:00.006-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Film Score Monthly's detailed notes about the music scores in Northwest Passage movie.

Election of Illinois Company officiers

2010-08-18T08:40:00.001-05:00

We are pleased to announce the election of new Illinois Company officers: Harvey Anglum is now our Capt. Lt. and Dave Boehler is our Sgt. Both joined Jaeger's Battalion Illinois Company back in 1996 & 1997 and have a great depth of knowledge and experience in reenacting as Rogers' Rangers. Plus they act, talk, dress, hunt, and shoot like real Roger's Rangers. Huzzah!

The Grisly Demise of Robert Rogers' Father

2010-08-04T00:09:00.000-05:00

Battle of Lake George

2010-08-04T00:04:00.002-05:00

Thoughts and Observations On The Use Of The Bayonet

2010-05-26T02:38:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an article on the Thoughts and Observations On The Use Of The Bayonet.

The Redcoats’ Brown Bess

2010-05-21T11:06:00.002-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to to an NRA American Rifleman article about the Redcoats' Brown Bess.

Native Nations and Cultural Mix

2010-05-11T09:07:00.003-05:00

Indian Fighters

2010-05-06T21:00:00.005-05:00

Ranging Way of War

2010-05-06T12:12:00.003-05:00

Fur Trade Axes & Tomahawks

2010-04-30T23:05:00.003-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a superb website with lots of Trade Axe & Tomahawk details & photos you won't find anywhere else.

Use your bayonet when hunting deer and bear

2010-04-29T00:01:00.002-05:00

George Larrabee in an article "The Flintlock Musket in War and Peace, Part III" (Muzzleloader Magazine, March/April 1982, page 47-50) said it might be a good idea to bring your bayonet along (if you have one for your Bess or Charleville) when hunting deer and bear.

He said: "Should you knock down a big game animal, you could reload (from a prepared cartridge) and fix your bayonet before approaching the beast - of course approaching so as not to be seen, so it won't jump up and run off if only stunned. Probing at last, if it should suddenly jump up you can dispatch it with a round, but if you suffer a misfire, with the bayonet you can stab the beast to death instead of of springing back impotently to avoid its lashing hoofs or ripping claws. The long blade and the musket it is affixed to will give you plenty of reach."

Maybe this is a good advice given the number of close calls and injuries sustained by hunters when approaching supposedly dead deer and bears, as documented in an article "Woods Sense and Wilderness Danger" by John Woolfolk (Muzzle Blasts Magazine, September 1999, page 51-54).

Hunting Guns in Colonial America

2010-04-28T21:39:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an NRA American Rifleman article about Hunting Guns in Colonial America.

Are you throwing your tomahawk far enough?

2010-04-19T01:56:00.002-05:00

In the Lyman Draper Manuscript 9S:36-37 - John Cuppy recalled: "Spies often practiced before going on a scout, shooting at a mark, throwing their tomahawks and sticking them in a tree [at] two or three rods and jumping over fences." Well, a rod measures 16.5 feet, so two or three rods is 33 to 49.5 feet. Many reenactors today throw their tomahawks from 14 to 18 feet. Maybe that's way too short in comparison to how far tomahawks were really thrown in the old days.

Scalping During the French and Indian War

2010-04-18T00:01:00.002-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Scalping During the French and Indian War By George A. Bray III

Battles of the French and Indian War

2010-04-17T21:06:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a nice index of Battles of the French and Indian War provided by Wikipedia.

Lord Jeffrey Amherst's germ warfare

2010-04-12T07:04:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Lord Jeffrey Amherst's letters discussing germ warfare and usage of dogs against American Indians.

Rogers' Rangers dogs

2010-04-10T23:35:00.001-05:00

A paragraph in THE HISTORY OF ROGERS RANGERS, VOLUME I by BURT GARFIELD LOESCHER says: "Several of Rogers Rangers had dogs (particularly the officers) who accompanied them on their scouts and in their battles. These dogs were useful in these Bloodhound Scouts as well as fighting the enemy in battle. Cadet William Stark, who became a Captain in Rogers Rangers in 1758, had a Wolf Dog named Sergeant Beaubier, who became famous. He accompanied Stark on all his Ranging expeditions and was present in several of the Rangers' Indian battles, and it is said, assisted in the destruction of more of them, than any individual of the Corps. When he became a Ranger Captain, Stark returned "Sergeant Beaubier" on his muster roll, and drew pay and rations for him."

Notes on the Settlement and Indian Wars of the Western Parts of Virginia and Pennsylvania from 1763 to 1783

2010-04-07T00:15:00.002-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Notes on the Settlement and Indian Wars of the Western Parts of Virginia and Pennsylvania from 1763 to 1783 by Doddridge, Joseph, 1769-1826

Journal of Major Robert Rogers - Rogers, Robert, 1731-1795

2010-04-06T00:01:00.003-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Journal of Major Robert Rogers - Rogers, Robert, 1731-1795

A battle fought on snow shoes : Rogers' Rock, Lake George, March 13, 1758 (1917)

2010-04-05T22:48:00.009-05:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a battle fought on snow shoes : Rogers' Rock, Lake George, March 13, 1758 (1917) by MARY COCHRANE ROGERS Great-Great-Granddaughter of. Major Robert Rogers.

Robert Rogers' "Rules of Ranging"

2010-03-29T00:01:00.006-05:00

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, contains 3 versions of Robert Rogers' "Rules of Ranging":
# 1 Original 28 rules.
# 2 The rules as they are today.
# 3 Fictional version.

CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Ray Mears / Rogers' Rangers Part 6/6

2010-03-28T00:01:00.001-05:00

Ray Mears / Rogers' Rangers Part 5/6

2010-03-27T00:01:00.001-05:00

Ray Mears / Rogers' Rangers Part 4/6

2010-03-26T00:01:00.002-05:00

Ray Mears / Rogers' Rangers Part 3/6

2010-03-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

Ray Mears / Rogers' Rangers Part 2/6

2010-03-24T00:01:00.002-05:00

Ray Mears / Rogers' Rangers Part 1/6

2010-03-23T00:01:00.004-05:00

Throwing Knife

2010-03-22T10:23:00.007-05:00

Jas Townsend sells a tough throwing knife that's forged out of 1/4" thick tempered steel that won't bend or break. It's leather handle slabs could be replaced by yourself if they get beat up too bad, so it should last a liftetime. Please note we have no interest in Jas Townsend other than you let you know they make good, reasonably priced axes and throwing knives. CLICH HERE FOR LINK to throwing knife.

Mascouten Bay Longrifles Spring Rendezvous

2010-03-18T01:37:00.004-05:00

All Rangers, Longhunters, Mountain Men, and their families are invited to the Mascouten Bay Longrifles Spring Rendezvous on 4/10/10 - 4/11/10 at their grounds on Kettering Lane, Rushville, IL 62681. Early setup can be made on 4/9/10. Contact Harold Tyson at day 217-323-2319 or eve 217-323-1745 for more information. Camp fee $15 per lodge, allows on entry fee. Wood, water, latrines. Trader no additional if they shoot, otherwise a $15 prize plus camp fee. Shoot only: Rifle $15, trade gun $15, pistol $5 50/50shoot flint or percussion or cap and ball revolver, 50/50 gong shoot shoot till you miss $1. No pets, no dinner. Directions: CLICK HERE FOR MAP then click "Directions" to enter where you are coming from.

French Poisoned Bullets

2010-03-15T01:32:00.001-05:00

At Three Rivers website, you can read the book The Life and Times of Sir William Johnson, Vol. I. where it says: "In the three actions of this day, about two hundred and twenty of the Provincials were killed, and ninety-one wounded. Their loss was greater than it might otherwise have been, from the fact that several were hit by poisoned bullets; thus mere flesh wounds soon mortified, some of the soldiers dying in convulsions.(2)
(1) For a map of this action see appendix No. v.
(2) "Mical Harrington died of the wound he received through the fleshy part of the thigh, the ball undoubtedly poisoned; as also one Jonathan Burt, of Brimfield, by a poisoned ball through the arm; and one Brisbee, by a slight shot in the leg which threw him into convulsions. The art of man could not stop the mortification which seized the wounded part, and presently a few hours shut up the scene. Oh cursed malice, that the fatal lead should not be thought sufficient without being rolled up with a solution of copper and yellow arsenic, as I am thoughtful was the case, by many of the poisoned balls which were brought in out of their bullet pouches, taken among the plunder."-Manuscript letter, Surgeon Thomas Williams to his wife. This is the only instance, that I recollect, of the use of poisoned bullets in battle."

Three Rivers Website

2010-03-15T01:17:00.000-05:00

Three Rivers is another great website with lots of good links and articles. CLICK HERE FOR LINK

For students of period weaponry 1526-1783

2010-03-11T22:28:00.008-06:00

Arms and Armor in Colonial America, 1526-1783 - is a great book that's available at Amazon.com. CLICK HERE FOR LINK A review by Peter Stines (Anahuac, Texas USA) says: "Students of period weaponry will already be familiar with the late Harold Peterson's works. Those who are new to the subject are in for a treat! Relying on period documents, artifacts from archaeological digs and pieces from private collections, Peterson's book does an exceptional job of presenting the evolution of crossbows, daggers, polearms, firearms and their related equipment in chronological order. Most of the items depicted are those used by the common people, soldiers, Indians, pirates and rogues. I only wish there were glossy color photo's and measurements. Reenactors, artists, museum curators, collectors and even the casual reader will find this work to be extremely helpful. Even though this book was published several decades ago, the information is still reliable."

Historian Walter R. Borneman

2010-03-09T08:44:00.001-06:00

History Map Website

2010-03-06T00:00:00.007-06:00

History Map website features an extensive collection of vintage maps spanning 5 centuries of the finest examples of the cartographers' craft. This collection includes stunning digital images of maps from the 1500's to modern times. These maps span a wide range of times and topics. CLICK HERE FOR LINK

PaleoPlanet - primitive technology

2010-03-05T11:26:00.000-06:00

PaleoPlanet is an amazing forum that contains a great deal of information on Native American primitive technology. CLICK HERE FOR LINK

French and Indian War Pictures

2010-03-01T22:19:00.000-06:00

The Fighting Tomahawk

2010-02-27T13:33:00.000-06:00

Lyrics to songs in Northwest Passage Movie

2010-02-25T12:05:00.002-06:00

The Internet Movie Database (IMBD) contains great information about the movie "Northwest Passage". Lyrics to songs in the movie can be found there, including the lyrics in the opening theme song at the start of the movie:

All the woodlands further westward,
Men who're Indian fighters born,
Rogers' Rangers braving dangers,
Until their hearts will never go.

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to The Internet Movie Database (IMBD)

Northwest Passage - Film Clips -

2010-02-24T00:10:00.000-06:00

Northwest Passage - Rescue at Fort Wentworth -

2010-02-23T00:05:00.000-06:00

Northwest Passage - Head of an Abenaki Indian -

2010-02-22T00:25:00.001-06:00

Northwest Passage - Attack on St. Francis, Part 2 -

2010-02-20T23:05:00.000-06:00

Northwest Passage - Attack on St Francis, Part 1 -

2010-02-20T22:12:00.000-06:00

Northwest Passage - Title Sequence -

2010-02-19T21:57:00.000-06:00

FrontierFolk.net Forums

2010-02-18T01:00:00.009-06:00

Here's some great 18th Century Frontier Forums at FrontierFolk.net. CLICK HERE FOR LINK

First Troop of Rangers, Georgia

2010-02-17T23:02:00.000-06:00

The Recreated First Troop of Rangers, Province of Georgia during the period of the Seven Year's War. CLICK HERE FOR LINK

New York Company of Jaeger's Battalion

2010-02-16T01:16:00.000-06:00

The New York Company of Jaeger's Battalion is back on-line. You can find it under the following URL: www.schrothscompany.com or CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Flintlock and Tomahawk Blog

2010-02-16T00:52:00.001-06:00

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great blog with info and videos. Click the rangers label to read ranger information.

Paper cartridge lubrication for Brown Bess

2010-02-14T12:37:00.000-06:00

A good lubricant for paper cartridges can be made from half beeswax and half butter flavored Crisco. Adjust mixture as needed for the outdoor temperature. Dip the full ball end of the paper cartridge in the melted mixture several times. With correctly lubed cartridges, you can shoot an entire woods walk without cleaning. You may substitute some other oil or grease for the butter flavored Crico - but in case you are lost & starving in the woods and have to eat your cartridges - butter flavored Crisco tastes better. :-)

An easy way to sharpen flints

2010-02-14T12:14:00.000-06:00

An easy way to sharpen flints is to use a Dremel tool and a wheel called a "Mizzy Wheel", or a diamond cutter used on the Dremel works even better. You can sharpen a flint's edge till it's like a razor if you wish, or you can also flatten out the top or reshape the bevel as needed. Just be sure to wear a mask so you don't breath flint dust.

Lots of good reading can be found here.

2010-02-12T13:33:00.000-06:00

Got cabin fever? Need something to read? Then CLICK HERE FOR LINK

The Muzzleloading Forum

2010-02-11T14:44:00.000-06:00

The Muzzleloading Forum is a friendly, online community where people can share information and learn about history, reenacting and traditional muzzleloading firearms. Join 15,000 other members already taking advantage of this wealth of information. There's both a free and a premium membership available. CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Bob's Blackpowder Notebook

2010-02-10T21:44:00.000-06:00

Bob's activities revolve around blackpowder hunting/shooting, historical reenacting, trekking and the study of life in this country in mid-eighteenth century. CLICK ON THIS LINK for some truely enjoyable, informative reading.

Please leave comments if you wish.

2010-02-09T21:49:00.000-06:00

Please leave comments for any posts if you wish. Just click on the word COMMENTS below a post, and a pop up window will appear to enter your comment. Or you can make a comment to the Illinois Rangers by clicking on the CONTACT tab which should open an email window with our address.

Wilderness Ordeal

2010-02-07T23:11:00.000-06:00

Two hundred and fifty years ago, Major Robert Rogers and his rangers launched a daring wilderness raid against an enemy village, but paid a steep price, CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Northeast Captivity Stories

2010-02-07T22:23:00.001-06:00

Here's some great captivity stories, including one named "Rogers Rangers Revenge", CLICK HERE FOR LINK

The Redcoats’ Brown Bess by George Neumann

2010-02-07T21:48:00.000-06:00

To read an article named The Redcoats’ Brown Bess by George Neumann, CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Here's a poem we think you'll like.

2010-02-07T18:21:00.000-06:00

"Brown Bess" by Rudyard Kipling

In the days of lace-ruffles, perukes and brocade
Brown Bess was a partner whom none could despise--
An out-spoken, flinty-lipped, brazen-faced jade,
With a habit of looking men straight in the eyes--
At Blenheim and Ramillies fops would confess
They were pierced to the heart by the charms of Brown Bess.

Though her sight was not long and her weight was not small,
Yet her actions were winning, her language was clear;
And everyone bowed as she opened the ball
On the arm of some high-gaitered, grim grenadier.
Half Europe admitted the striking success
Of the dances and routs that were given by Brown Bess.

When ruffles were turned into stiff leather stocks,
And people wore pigtails instead of perukes,
Brown Bess never altered her iron-grey locks.
She knew she was valued for more than her looks.
"Oh, powder and patches was always my dress,
And I think am killing enough," said Brown Bess.

So she followed her red-coats, whatever they did,
From the heights of Quebec to the plains of Assaye,
From Gibraltar to Acre, Cape Town and Madrid,
And nothing about her was changed on the way;
(But most of the Empire which now we possess
Was won through those years by old-fashioned Brown Bess.)

In stubborn retreat or in stately advance,
From the Portugal coast to the cork-woods of Spain,
She had puzzled some excellent Marshals of France
Till none of them wanted to meet her again:
But later, near Brussels, Napoleon--no less--
Arranged for a Waterloo ball with Brown Bess.

She had danced till the dawn of that terrible day--
She danced till the dusk of more terrible night,
And before her linked squares his battalions gave way,
And her long fierce quadrilles put his lancers to flight:
And when his gilt carriage drove off in the press,
"I have danced my last dance for the world!" said Brown Bess.

If you go to Museums--there's one in Whitehall--
Where old weapons are shown with their names writ beneath,
You will find her, upstanding, her back to the wall,
As stiff as a ramrod, the flint in her teeth.
And if ever we English had reason to bless
Any arm save our mothers', that arm is Brown Bess!

Rudyard Kipling

Ray Mears / Rogers' Rangers

2010-01-03T00:02:00.001-06:00

RAY MEARS' EXTREME SURVIVAL - ROGERS' RANGERS
Follow in the footsteps of Major Robert Rogers as Ray tells of their epic withdrawal through New England where Rogers' rangers fought off both the pursuing enemy and starvation as the seasons changed rapidly from Autumn to Winter. CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Colonial America, 1757

2010-01-01T22:11:00.002-06:00

The war across the sea in the Americas rises in intensity. The French have allied themselves with the Indians, and fight the British with guerilla style warfare. The British need something to offset these dangerous enemies, and find it in a man named Robert Rogers.

Colonial life in the American colonies was more difficult than any of us can imagine. Some things you just can't learn from a history book. You have to experience them yourself. Reenacting is just that. Learning about a time period through personal experience is the only true way to find out about the hardships of life in the past. This website is here to give you a glimpse into the life of reenactors in this educational hobby. Hope you enjoy it.