CLICK HERE FOR LINK to information on the Fort Crevecoeur Annual French & Indian War Event held at  Fort Crevecoeur Park, Creve Coeur, IL.  Join us August 1st and 2nd, 2015 to help the IL Co. to do battle with the French.  If you're on the French side, please come too, the French will need some help if they plan to do battle with us Rangers!

Myths of the Blunderbuss (updated link)

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.”

Will the REAL Robert Rogers please stand up?

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a very interesting article about the real Robert Rogers and Queen’s American Rangers of 1776 written by Todd Braistedabout.  If you've been watching the AMC TV show TURN, you might be surprised at some of the facts.  Plus please see the reader's comments at the end of the article - especially the comment by jegrenier who said: "AMC should have stayed with zombies and drunken-philandering ad execs."  :-)

Coning a Rifle Barrel

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great article with historical info & pictures showing the coning of a .58 cal rifle barrel by Ed Hamberg, using a coning tool he has developed for coning barrels from .32 cal to .75 cal.  Ed manufactures his tool and sells it, but doesn't advertise, so this information is presented FYI.  If you hate ball starters, then one of these coning tools may be what you need.  If you're interested, Ed can be contacted at longknife1776@sbcglobal.net or at:
Edward Hamberg
1008 Logan
Alton IL 62002

Here's a picture of Ed's coning tool, and the tool in use:



There's many more pictures and instructions for using Ed's coning tool at CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Forgotten War: The Struggle for North America

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great article “Robert Rogers: ‘A Man of Uncommon Strength’” By Tim J. Todish".

Please also CLICK HERE FOR LINK to other great American Colonials articles (where this article was found) at the Mountain Lake PBS website Interactive Museum - Documentaries - Forgotten War: The Struggle for North America.

And last but not least - CLICK HERE FOR LINK to explore the entire website for a wealth of information about the French & Indian War.

Larry Plecher's BlackPowderMag.com

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Larry Plecher's great black powder website where there are articles on:
Artists of Note, Experiments & Tests, Lock Timing, Priming Powder, Vent Liners, CLA, CLA 2013, CLA 2014, Gallery, Friendship National Shoot, Gun Shows, Interviews, Resources, Videos. Especially interesting are Experiments & Tests articles including Filled Vent Test – Is it Slower? and Lead vs Leather Flint Attachment Study.

Fort Crevecoeur Rendevous

The Tarnished Tale of Robert Rogers

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an interesting article "The Tarnished Tale of Robert Rogers".  Love him or hate him, he was like all men and had his good and bad side.  But none can deny he was a famous man because his deeds and what he wrote lives on today!  Robert Rogers' Rangers are often credited with turning the tide in French and Indian Wars, and in the words of Ranger historian Burt Garfield Loescher, the rich heritage of Rogers' Rangers has been preserved in the history of two great nations:  "They won Canada from France so that the American Colonies might be free to win their independence from England, and then strove to defend Canada from American occupation so that two great countries might be born..."

10 Things You May Not Know About Rogers' Rangers

1. Rogers' father was shot and killed by his father's friend, he was mistaken for a bear.

2. Rangers took scalps and like all soldiers of that time, looted the enemy when there was an opportunity.

3. Rangers sometimes knocked prisoners on the head with a hatchet (killing them) when attacked by an enemy force.

4. Smallpox killed Rogers' brother, and many other Rangers too.

5. More Rangers used rifles than previously thought.

6. One detachment of Rangers ate the remains of other Rangers found in a stream, another detachment of Ranger Stockbridge Indians killed a squaw and ate her, plus it's rumored that Rogers killed a squaw and fed her to the men in the detachment he was leading – all 3 incidents when they were starving on the return from St. Francis.

7. Several Rangers had dogs (particularly the officers) who accompanied them on their scouts and in their battles. A Wolf Dog named Sergeant Beaubier 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.

8. Sometimes a patch of snow or some rotten wood, which in the night has a phosphorescent glow – could be mistaken for a fire when seen from a distance.

9. Unlike what's shown in the 1940 Northwest Passage Movie, Rangers didn't leave their wounded behind if there was any way possible to carry them out.

10. Rangers and some British units did regularly practice shooting their Brown Bess muskets and could shoot them fairly accurately – and did aim to kill. Don't believe various TV channel historians that say British soldiers shot wildly not caring what they hit.

Please leave comments if you wish.

Any comments or email messages will be sincerely appreciated - positive or negative.  Plus if you have any suggestions for future posts or have information to post - please comment or send email.

Just click on the word COMMENT: or NO COMMENTS: below a post and a pop up window will appear to enter your comment.

Or you can send email to the Illinois Rangers by clicking on the CONTACT tab at the top of the blog, or click fill in the CONTACT FORM on the blog itself on the right hand side.

Why British Major Robert Rogers Does Not Deserve a Statue Nor a Days Ceremony nor a Park in His Namesake.

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an article by Raymond Pibunki Awasos LeMay, a Koasek Abenaki.  Raymond claims Major Rogers was known as a Butcher of the Abenaki and a Traitor to our Nation. Also Raymond says it's an insult to present day Native Americans in honoring his accomplishments. Why doesn't he deserve a statue, Raymond hopes to answer that or at the least educate the public as to why.

So Raymond obviously doesn't like Rogers' Rangers, but we want to present fair and balanced news in our blog for your enjoyment, so please read his article and see his website.  It's always good to get both sides of the story, even if you may have other opinions.

As Raymond pointed out, the Abenaki are still there at St. Francis and are doing well, but I wonder why I read elsewhere where it said: "Rogers’ Raid was one attack, on just one Abenaki village, but it has had a lingering impact on Abenaki history ever since. The Abenaki community at Odanak is recognized as a First Nation by the Canadian government, but the Abenaki community at Missisquoi, which has also persisted to the present, has yet to be federally-recognized by the United States government.  Enclaves of Abenaki families persisted in other places, around Lake George, Pennacook territory, and elsewhere, but the connections throughout Ndakinna are still poorly understood by many historians today, in part because of the emotional impact of Rogers’ Raid, and the mistaken illusion that Odanak was the only homeplace of Abenaki people. During the 1950s, and 1960s, many Abenaki elders tried to protect their children from prejudice by not teaching them their Native language, and not talking to them about their history. Some, especially those who lived in New England lived in fear that one day, the descendants of Rogers’ Rangers would come to finish them off."

So the Illinois Ranger wonders why if Rogers' raid was so unsuccessful and killed only about 30 women and children, then why were the Abenaki during the 1950s & 1960's in New England living in fear that one day, the descendants of Rogers’ Rangers would come and finish them off?

Plus the Illinois Ranger also has never seen an Abenaki website that explained why in the St. Francis raid, Rangers found the Abenaki had hanging on poles over their doors, etc. about 600 scalps, mostly English.  And there were scalps of women and children too!

If you disagree with anything said above, then please make a comment.

Native American Ice Cannibals of Myth and Legend

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Native American Ice Cannibals of Myth and Legend.

Now that I have your attention, please also CLICK HERE FOR LINK to the parent website where the link above was found:  Native Languages of the Americas: Preserving and promoting American Indian languages.  This great website contains a wealth of information, and they are a small non-profit organization dedicated to the survival of Native American languages, particularly through the use of Internet technology.  This site has inner beauty, for it is, or will be, a compendium of online materials about more than 800 indigenous languages of the Western Hemisphere and the people that speak them.

Ray Mears' Extreme Survival - Roger's Rangers

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great YouTube video Ray Mears' Extreme Survival S03E02 - 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 

Calender of 2015 Events

Here is a list of events that Capt. Lt. Harvey Anglum and other Illinois Rangers will try to attend:

April 10,11,12 Ft De Chartres Trade Faire
April 17,18,19 Mascouten Bay Rendezvous
May TBA Clayville Historic Site Pleasant Plains IL
June 6,7 Ft De Chartres Summer Rendezvous
July 18,19 Forces of Montcalm & Wolf Muster at Forest Glen Westville IL
Sept 19,20 Forces of M&W Ko Ko Mah KoKomo IN
Oct 10,11 Ft De Chartres 250th Surrender to British Forces end of French & Indian War
Nov 7,8 Ft De Chartres Winter Rendezvous

Pictures of the Illinois Ranger firing his Brown Bess.

Here's some pictures of the Illinois Ranger firing his Brown Bess.

In the picture below, the hammer with flint had just slammed against the frizzen​, to throw sparks into the flashpan.

In this second picture, the powder in the flashpan exploded, driving flames into the touch-hole to ignite the powder and ball inside the barrel.

In this third picture, flames and smoke on both ends, and the ball has already left the barrel.

Reading Abenaki Traditions And European Records Of Rogers

CLINK HERE FOR LINK to an informative .PDF article about Rogers' Rangers attack on St. Francis on October 4, 1759.  The Abenaki and French claimed 32 were killed by Rogers' Rangers, most of them women and children.  However Major Rogers claimed fires consumed many of the Indians who had concealed themselves in the cellars and lofts of their houses, and claimed the Rangers had killed at least two hundred Indians.  Which do you believe?  The St. Francis Abenakis dispersed after the raid and were effectively taken out of the war.

10 Things You May Not Know About the French and Indian War

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to History.com - 10 Things You May Not Know About the French and Indian War

Northwest Passage Video Clips

Most video clips of the 1940 Northwest Passage Movie have been removed from YouTube because of copyright restrictions.  But Click Here for Link to 4 video clips by TCM.  And Click Here for Link for a Youtube video Northwest Passage (Original Theatrical Trailer).  Plus,  Click Here for Link for a Northwest Passage (Preview Clip) by Warner Archive.

Blowing Down the Barrel

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an interesting posts about "blowing down the barrel" in the Muzzleloading Forum, which is a great website for all types of muzzleloading topics and information.  Whether you blow down the barrel or not after shooting your muzzleloader is your business, this information is presented merely to make readers aware of the controversial viewpoints on this subject.  Here's an interesting comment in the first of a series of posts on that subject:

Anonymous said on 09/21/07 02:56 PM - Post#463160
Not to reopen this can of worms, but I re-discovered a quote I had read years ago from Audabon in 1810 that described a loading procedure he took to be common then and it contains several things that some recent folks have thought were "modern". Like blowing down the barrel between shots--he allowed it was to see if the touchhole was clear or if one needed to pick it. Another observation: a narrow strip of linen was hung from the bag--for patching, which was cut at the muzzle! The patching was 'lubed' by rubbing it in grease kept in the patch box. The cutting was done by a knife hung on the bag! I'll have to reread the quote and see if there is anything I missed...but 1810 is a pretty early date for all these things...I have seen us question all of these things--blowing down the barrel, patch knives hung from the bag, cutting at the muzzle....oh, and he said a feather was often placed in the touchhole while loading, and when removed, a few grains of the charge would spill into the pan, showing the hole was open...Audabon is responsible for several period descriptions of loading and hunting--and was an avid hunter as well as artist...

More interesting stories about Slipperyskin

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to another interesting story about Slipperyskin.

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to yet another interesting story where Samuel de Champlain wrote how numerous Indian tribes had told eerie stories of a giant, hairy man-beast that was known to the natives as "the Gougou".

Another story about Slipperyskin

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to another story about Slipperyskin, seen by a man named Duluth, a scout with Roger’s Rangers.

Slipperyskin – Bear, Bigfoot, or Indian?

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.

NOTES ON TOMAHAWKS, HATCHETS AND BOAXDING AXES USED BY AMERICANS

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an informative article by Harold L. Peterson about tomahawks, hatchets, and boarding axes used by Americans.

TRADE AXE & TOMAHAWK COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION.

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to great tomahawk site devoted to the exchange of information about, and images of early trade axes and tomahawks.

And please CLICK HERE FOR LINK to another great tomahawk site mentioned in earlier posts called "Fur Trade Axes and Tomahawks".

The Return of Rogers' Rangers by Michael F. Dilley

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an informative article "The Return of Rogers' Rangers
by Michael F. Dilley" which discusses Ranger units with which Robert Rogers was affiliated after the conclusion of the French and Indian War.

Short Interesting Video

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a short interesting video about Rogers' Rangers.  It's not in color, it looks old and is patched together clips from a couple of old movies including Northwest Passage - but it's interesting.

Ghosts of Rogers' Rangers

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an interesting article by commentator Willem Lange, who likes to row on the Connecticut River, where he reflects often on the ghosts of former Valley dwellers.

Indian Captives & Their Stories

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to great stories about Indian captives.

Muzzleloading Experiments

CLINK HERE FOR LINK to a great web page devoted to black-powder and muzzleloading experiments and topics related to the physics of black powder shooting.

The Guns of 1776 – Musket Replicas from Davide Pedersol

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an interesting article about the Brown Bess.  We may not agree with everything in the article, but it makes some good points:
1. Brown Bess puts .75 holes in everything it hits.
2. Brown Bess is deadly - delivers twice the lead of a .45 ACP at about the same or more velocity.
3. Brown Bess can shoot a ball through more than one person (historically accurate).
4. Crisco is good lube.  (Note beeswax can also be mixed with Crisco for lubing paper cartridges.)
5. You can "dry ball" .715 balls (i.e. load without patches) after the first couple shots dirties the bore.
6. Cloth or paper patches can catch fire after the shot.  (So be careful in dry leaves or grass.)
7. Buckshot does work great in a Brown Bess, it's devastating at close range.
8. Shotgun brushes with patches wrapped around them works great for cleaning a Brown Bess bore.
9. Best cleaning solvent is standard dish soap in warm water.

Journal of Pvt. Thomas Brown

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a plain narrative of the uncommon sufferings and remarkable deliverance of Thomas Brown, of Charlestown, in New England who returned to his father's house the beginning of Jan. 1760, after having been absent three years and about eight months: containing an account of the engagement between a party of English, Commanded by Maj. Rogers and a party of French and Indians, in Jan. 1757 ... how he was taken captive by the Indians and carried to Canada, and from thence to the Mississippi; where he lived about a year, and was again sent to Canada ...

Thanks to Dale Ford for bringing this story to the Illinois Ranger's attention.

'Northwest Passage' (Book I -- Rogers' Rangers) Quotes

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to great quotes from the movie Northwest Passage.

Indian Wooden Post - for War,Torture, or Fantasy?

Can anyone provide any information on the wooden post in the Movie Northwest Passage that Hunk Marriner pulls a tomahawk out when the Rangers enter the village of Fort St. Francis.  The wooden post is painted with blue/green, red, and yellow stripes and had two tomahawks stuck in it before Marriner pulled one out.

Possibly it's an Indian torture post - or a post Indians danced around and stuck their tomahawks in before going off to war - or just movie fantasy?  Anyhow, if anyone has some ideas, please comment to this post or CLICK HERE to send an email to illinoisranger@gmail.com .  Thanks for any information anyone can provide.

The Spike Tomahawk

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to look inside the book “The Spike Tomahawk: A Popular Tool and Weapon in Colonial North America” by Jack Vargo.  This author presents excellent information in the book such as the origins & manufacture of the spike tomahawk, celtiform tomahawks, dissection of trade axes to create iron celt axes and other tools, halberd tomahawks, boarding axes, and much more.  Although the book is only 86 pages, it contains a wealth of information and like one reviewer said: “I found this book to very informative to what I need it for in primitive weapons. I'm glad I bought it.”

Cold Steel Spike Frontier Hawk

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to a great Spike Tomahawk that really excels when it's used as a weapon. Like it says at Cold Steel's website, "With one highly effective edge and a long spike, it puts any adversary on the horns of a fierce dilemma: Face the edge in brutal chopping, cutting, slashing and gouging attacks, or risk getting huge deep holes punched in you by the fearsome spike.  To make matters even worse for an attacker, either end of the hawk can be used to hook or trap an opponent's weapon, neck, arm or leg, to control or manipulate the situation to one's advantage. Furthermore, the overall length of the of the hawk measures 9" across making it a wide, stiff platform that can be punched into an incoming weapon arm to momentarily stop its forward motion and immobilize it."

Please note we have no commercial or advertising interests in Cold Steel other than you let you know they make great, reasonably priced spike tomahawk.

Staining Hickory Tomahawk Handles

Staining hickory tomahawk handles to a dark brown color can be difficult with wood stains.  Try Fiebing's dark brown leather dye and seal it in with several coats of boiled linseed oil.  It also helps if you sand the handle with a medium or course grit sandpaper before staining.

Illinois Ranger is back

The Illinois Ranger has been lost in the woods for over a year, now he's back.  He's missed publishing many comments and posts lately.  He sincerely apologizes for disappearing for so long.

The Fighting Tomahawk, Volume II

In the book The Fighting Tomahawk, Volume II, McLemore shares details, thoughts, and informed speculation on the tomahawk of the American frontier of the 18th and 19th centuries and the explorers, settlers, long hunters, traders, and Indians who used it.  He has mined original historical sources from the colonial era to develop more in-depth insight and instruction in such essential areas as cutting, chopping, using the back spike, frontier "rough and tumble" fighting, throwing the hawk, and training with and without a partner. As always, the centerpiece of McLemore's latest book is the hundreds of precise illustrations depicting step-by-step details on wielding the hawk in training and combat.  Anyone who uses a tomahawk today, armed professionals, martial artists, historical reenactors, and stage combatants will gain valuable insights into this hallmark weapon of the traditional American blade arts.

You can look inside this book at Amazon.com for a preview, where some but not all pages can be read.  The Illinois Ranger recommends this book for serious students of the tomahawk.

Great quotes from the movie Northwest Passage

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to great quotes from the movie Northwest Passage.

Fur Trade Axes and Tomahawks

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to an outstanding website concerning trade axes and tomahawks.  There's a wealth of information and pictures here with many examples of different types of period axes and tomahawks, including information about identifying and dating them, plus spotting fakes. 

Brown Bess Beats Rifle Shooters

The Illinois Ranger has been away from this blog since last March, but he's back now and will be adding more information and making updates as the Winter wears on. Here's a braggadocios story from him:

In a paper target shoot last fall at the Mascouten Bay Longrifles grounds, using his Brown Bess the Illinois Ranger demonstrated the superiority of a large caliber smoothbore musket over rifles at close range. The Illinois Ranger was loading with buck and ball, everyone else was shooting rifles at targets only about 15 yards away. That's kind of close range for rifles, but great for smoothbores. First target for the day was a red paper about 3 inches square, one per target. Some of the rifle shooters missed it more than once. ha. The Illinois Ranger put two red papers about a foot apart on his target, and hit them both first shot. He also put some mysterious small caliber holes in a few of the rifle shooter's targets with the spread of his buckshot, but it took a while for the rifle shooters to figure that out.  :-)

Then the Illinois Ranger switched to bird shot for targets even closer and hit a bunch of standing feathers in one shot, and blew away 3 or 4 swinging balls in one shot – whereas some of the rifle shooters couldn't hit any of those targets at all.  ha.

Next the Illinois Ranger blasted away all the golf balls (about 8 of them on an elevated board) in one shot, whereas the best rifle shooters could only hit one at a time. He felt sorry for the rifle shooters and spared their pop-up turkey target, it was wood and one shot from his deadly Brown Bess (loaded with buckshot) would have totally destroyed that target too.  :-)

Redcoat's Marksmanship in America

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to Google Books preview of "Redcoats: The British Soldier And War in the Americas, 1755-1763" by Stephen Brumwell - where it says by the Spring of 1761, Amherst observed: "in general all the men are so good marksmen that it requires only a little practice to keeps their hands in".

The author also said "Such repeated references to target practice sit uneasily alongside contemporary and modern comments regarding the limitations of the smooth-bore musket.".  Considering the research and comments made by this author, it sounds like the Redcoats were better marksmen in America than anyone previously thought.

First Nations Histories

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to First Nations Histories website where you can find the histories of many Native American nations.  Please be sure to click the underlined names of the various nations, to revel a more detailed history.

The History of Rogers' Rangers by Burt Loescher

CLICK HERE FOR LINK to the Internet Archive where the "The history of Rogers' Rangers" (Volumes v.1, v.2, v.3) by Burt Garfield Loescher can be found.  These three volumes contain a wealth of information, a treasure trove of meticulously researched information about the history of Rogers' Rangers.

Rewards for Indian Scalps

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

THE LOST TREASURE of ST. FRANCIS

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

Britain’s Brown Bess

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

Flintlock Frizzen Bounce

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

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.

18th Centrury Healing

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

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.

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

Flintlocks: How to Shoot Them

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

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

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

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

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

Mascouten Bay Longrifles Spring Rendezvous

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

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

The Romance and Tragedy of Pioneer Life

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

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

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.

Roger's Ranger Joshua Goodenough's Old Letter

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

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

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

More Reasons For Bayonets

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

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

The Accuracy Of Black Powder Muskets

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

The Last Adirondack Mammoth

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

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

Rogers' Rangers Wilderness Ordeal

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

General Israel Putnam - His Life

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

Putnam's Capture During the French and Indian War

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

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

French and Indian War information

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

Robert Rogers and his Rangers - various articles

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

Where Major Robert Rogers is buried

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

Music scores in Northwest Passage movie

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

Election of Illinois Company officiers

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

Battle of Lake George

Thoughts and Observations On The Use Of The Bayonet

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

The Redcoats’ Brown Bess

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

Native Nations and Cultural Mix

Indian Fighters

Ranging Way of War

Fur Trade Axes & Tomahawks

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

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

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

Are you throwing your tomahawk far enough?

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

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

Battles of the French and Indian War

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

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

Rogers' Rangers dogs

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

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

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)

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"

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

Throwing Knife

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

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.