Thursday, 28 September 2023

Fort Ti (1953)

 


Full movie here. This was shown by the BBC in the 80s as part of their 3D night. It's not a great movie. Wiki

Tuesday, 26 September 2023

Hadden's journal and orderly books : a journal kept in Canada and upon Burgoyne's campaign in 1776 and 1777Bookreader Item Preview Appendix No. 7. 429 345. 34M. p. P. 54.0. 3SM. p. p. 333, 334, note. a^D. K. K. 346, 327. 37M. P. P. 352, 541. s^D. Z. Z. 771. »M. X. 2-5. ""B. K : B. L.] NO. T. Sir Guy Carleton, Afterwards Lord Dorchester. The family of Carleton is very old. Guy Carleton was the third son of Christopher Carleton, of Newry, County Down, Ireland, by his wife, Catherine, daughter of Henry Ball, and was born at Strabane, Ireland, Sept. 3, 1724.* He began his military career in the Guards at an early age, and was promoted to a lieutenancy in the First Foot Guards July 22, 1751, and to a captain-lieutenancy therein June 18, 1757; which last promotion gave him the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the army," In the campaign in Germany in 1757, he acted as aid to the Duke of Cumberland^ ; and in 1758 he embarked with Gen. Amherst for the siege of Louisbourg, where his active exertions obtained him considerable credit. ^ On the 24th of August, 1758, he was made the lieut. -colonel of the 72d Foot."* The next year, when Gen. Wolfe was officering his expedition against Quebec, he selected Lieut. -Colonel Carleton for his quarter master general ; but as this officer had given offence to the king, the appointment was secured only through the persistence of the Earl of Chatham, then Mr. Pitt. The anecdote is told at length in Beatson's Naval and 43 o Appendix No. 7. Military Memoirs, vol. iii, 226, note 142. At the same time Lieut. -Colonel Carleton was likewise appointed a colonel in America only.^ On Wolfe's expedition he rendered important services and was singled out as a proper officer to be detached with an adequate force to secure a post on the western point of the Isle d'Orleans, a service which he effectually performed. Sometime after he was again detached to dislodge the French from Point au Trempe, twenty miles distant from Quebec, where he was equally successfuls ; and at the battle on the Heights of Abraham, Sept. 13, 1759, he was wounded, receiving a ball in the head, which, it was feared, had fractured his skull. ^ He took part in the battle of St. Foy, April 28, 1760, and continued to serve in Canada for some time under Gen. Murray. 7 On the expedition against Belle Isle, on the coast of France, he acted as one of the brigadier generals ; and Gen. Hodgson, who commanded, gave him flattering mention in the official dispatches. 4 Feb. 19, 1762, he became a colonel in the army^' ; and he soon after embarked for the siege of Havannah, in which expedition he acted as the quarter master general of the British force under the Earl of Albemarle.^ On the loth of the following June he was detached from the camp into the woods between Coximar and the Moro, with a body of light infantry and grenadiers, and on the nth he carried the Spanish redoubt upon Moro Hill, estriblishing a post there. His success cost him a wound, for which, however, the brilliant reputation and the ample share of prize money he gained were doubtless sufficient compensation.'' In 1763, he was commissioned as the colonel of the 93d Foot, but soon after the peace of that year his regiment was reduced and he went upon (549 of 710) Favorite Share Flag textsHadden's journal and orderly books : a journal kept in Canada and upon Burgoyne's campaign in 1776 and 1777

 

Monday, 25 September 2023

His Majesty's Loyalists and Indian allies

 

Military - British Army - H... by The 18th Century Material C...

Scalping

 


 Saint-Sauveur (France, 1757-1810), Labrousse (France, Bordeaux, active late 18th century)Title Costumes de Différents Pays, 'Guerrier Iroquois'Description English:France, circa 1797Prints; engravingsHand-tinted engraving on paper


From With Burgoyne From Quebec.

Scalping

 "Whenever they scalp, the seize the head of the disabled or dead enemy, and placing one of their feet on the neck, twist their left hand in the hair, by which means they extend the skin that covers the top of the head, and with the other hand draw their scalping knife from their breast, which is always kept in good order for this cruel purpose, a few dextrous strokes of which takes off the part that is termed the scalp; they are so exceedingly expeditious in doing this, that it scarcely exceeds a minute. If the hair is short, and they have no purchase with their hand, they stoop, and with their teeth strip it off; when they performed this part of their martial virtue as soon as time permits, they tie with bark or deer sinews their speaking trophies of blood in a small hoop, to preserve it from stupefaction, painting part of the scalp and the hoop all round with red. These they preserve as monuments of their prowess, and at the same time as proofs of the vengeance they have inflicted on their enemies."

Thursday, 21 September 2023

Roger Lamb's American Revolution

 

Looks good. Blurb reads

Of all the British soldiers who served in North America during the American Revolution, none wrote more about his experiences than Roger Lamb. He certainly had a lot to say: his service in two of the most important campaigns—the 1777 Saratoga campaign and the 1781 campaign through the Carolinas to Virginia—put him in the thick of some of the war’s most famous battles. Moreover, he was twice captured and twice escaped, making his way through hostile territory to rejoin the British army. Later in his life he wrote two books chronicling these experiences in great detail. Hundreds of British soldiers went through similar ordeals, sharing in the campaigns, the battles, the captivities, the escapes, but none recounted any aspect of these activities in the level of detail that Lamb did.
The first edition of this book, published in 2004, combined all of Roger Lamb’s first-hand recollections from his two books, 
An Original and Authentic Journal of Occurrences during the late American War, from its Commencement to the Year 1783 (Dublin, 1809) and Memoir of his Own Life (Dublin, 1811). Since that publication, two more important documents written by Lamb have come to light—an intelligence report written in 1782 recounting details of one of his escapes, and a “commonplace book” kept later in his life to record a vast range of memories, thoughts, and observations. Roger Lamb’s American Revolution: A British Soldier’s Story combines all of the material from these four sources pertaining to Lamb’s career as a soldier, from the time he joined the army to his departure from it, plus his recollections of childhood and post-military life. The result is the most comprehensive first-hand account by a British soldier in the American Revolution, an essential record for understanding the war in its totality.

Tuesday, 19 September 2023

Forthcoming book of interest

 "Our new book is available to preorder. It will be out in early December. Share the link with anyone that might be interested:"

https://www.manitoufreetraderspress.com/shop




Koohassen, guerrier de la nation Onéida 1801

 


Two drawings from 1764

 

Benjamin West 1764. A Conference held between some Indian Chiefs and Colonel Bouquet, in the Year 1764
The Indians returning English captives to Colonel Henry Bouquet in November 1764.


Monday, 18 September 2023

Blockhouse From With Burgoyne From Quebec

 


 


The War Whoop

Got the book With Burgoyne from Quebec from the library which is a series of letters by Thomas Anburey an officer in Burgoyne's army. This is part of a series of recollections of Mohawk indians.
I am interrupted by the cries of some Indians who are setting up the war whoop, on their bringing in prisoners.
'When they arrive, as they imagine, in hearing of the camp, they set up the war whoop, as many times as they have number of prisoners. It is difficult to describe..... and the best idea I can convey is that it consists in the sound of whoo whoo whoop! which is continued till the breath is almost exhausted, and then broken off with a sudden elevation of voice: some of them modulate it into notes, by placing the hand before the mouth, but both are heard at a great distance.'


Sunday, 10 September 2023

Led Canadians during the Saratoga campaign.

 

BOUCHER DE BOUCHERVILLE, RENÉ-AMABLE, army and militia officer, seigneur, office holder, and politician; b. 12 Feb. 1735 at Fort Frontenac (Kingston, Ont.), son of Pierre Boucher* de Boucherville, an officer in the colonial regular troops, and Marguerite Raimbault; d. 31 Aug. 1812 in Boucherville, Lower Canada.

From here where there is a biography

See here and here

Butler's Rangers private 1780-1782 Don Troiani

 Print from here


The Story of Butler's Rangers E. Cruikshank.

 This book from 1893 is available to read free if you have an interest. Here is a sample bit on the formation of Butler's Rangers.

https://www.gutenberg.ca/ebooks/cruikshank-butlers/cruikshank-butlers-00-h-dir/cruikshank-butlers-00-h.html

Butler went to Quebec to settle his accounts, taking with him three of the principal chiefs to present them to the Governor. He then renewed his proposal to raise a battalion of rangers to serve with the Indians, to which Sir Guy Carleton readily consented, and furnished him with “beating orders” for the enlistment of eight companies, each composed of a captain, a lieutenant, three sergeants, three corporals, and fifty privates. Two of these companies were to be formed of “people speaking the Indian language and acquainted with their customs and manner of making war,” and were to receive four shillings, New York currency, a day. The remaining companies, “to be composed of people well acquainted with the woods, in consideration of the fateague they are liable to undergo,” were to receive two shillings a day. The whole were required to clothe and arm themselves entirely at their own expense. This was considered extremely [38]high pay, and it was subsequently estimated by General Haldimand that these eight companies of rangers cost the Government as much as twenty companies of regular infantry.



 From The Burning of the Valleys G. K. Watt

Putman observed the Indians’ methods of setting the fires, “. . . one of the party . . . after swinging a fire-brand several times over his head until it blazed, applied it to the well-filled barns which were soon in flames . . . several of the party fired their guns into a number of stacks and barracks of grain . . .”

Image from John Ford's Drums Along the Mohawk


Friday, 8 September 2023

French account of the Battle of Lake George 1755

 Here

French forces at Lake George from the Fort William Henry Osprey

King's Royal Regiment of New York


 King's Royal Regiment of New York by Don Troiani. This is apparently how they appeared at the investment of Fort Stanwix and the Battle of Oriskany. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_Royal_Regiment_of_New_York

Today's anniversary Lake George 1755

 Wiki


From Kronoskaf - order of battle Lake George 1755L

Order of Battle

British Order of Battle

Commander: Major-General William Johnson


Provincial (2,932 effective men as per the returns of August 17, 18 and 19)

1st Massachusetts Provincials (about 450 men) under Colonel Timothy Ruggles

2nd Massachusetts Provincials (about 450 men) under Colonel Moses Titcomb

3rd Massachusetts Provincials (about 450 men) under Colonel Ephraim Williams

1st Connecticut Provincials (about 450 men) under Major-General Lyman

2nd Connecticut Provincials (about 450 men) under Lieutenant-Colonel Whiting

Rhode Island Provincials (about 250 men) under Lieutenant-Colonel Cole

New York Provincials (3 coys from Connecticut totaling about 200 men) many settlers in upstate New York came from Connecticut

Mohawk Indians (about 250 men)


French Order of Battle

Commander: Baron Ludwig August Dieskau seconded by M. de Montreuil


French regulars (220 men)

Languedoc Infanterie (2 coys)

La Reine Infanterie (2 coys)

Troupes de la Marine (12 men)

Milices Canadiennes (684 men)

Resident Indians (678 men) aka Mission Indians

Sunday, 3 September 2023

Herbert Knötel

 Did some good studies of Provincials. His Ranger studies are a bit rubbish. Wiki

I think these images are from Anne S. K. Brown.








Event "Return to the Mohawk" at Herkimer Home

 Here for more info. On next weekend.

On September 9th and 10th, Herkimer Home State Historic Site will continue the 2023 season with the “Return to the Mohawk” living history event. The event will include historic demonstrations, battle reenactments, guest speakers, and a taste of what life was like in the Mohawk Valley during the American Revolution. Demonstrations on Saturday take place between 9:30 am and 4 pm and on Sunday between 9:30 am and 2 pm and will include topics such as 18th-century trade and transportation, blacksmithing, colonial toys and games, laundry, and the daily life and accouterments of the American soldier during the Revolution.

On Saturday, at 10 am and 1 pm, and Sunday at 1 pm, our living historians will provide large-scale tactical demonstrations depicting the “Raid on Herkimer Flatts” and “The Ambush,” a recreation of the Battle of Oriskany, in which General Herkimer was mortally wounded. These demonstrations will offer visitors the ability to experience the sights and sounds of the American Revolution as it played out in the Mohawk Valley. Programming will include Perry Ground, storyteller, cultural educator, and Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, who will present “Stories from the People of the Longhouse” at 11:30 am and “Changes to the Longhouse” at 3 pm on Saturday, September 9th. On Sunday, September 10th, Vic DiSanto will present a program about David Williams, one of the militiamen who captured major John Andre and foiled Benedict Arnold’s plan to turn over West Point and George Washington to the British. In addition, there will be various historic vendors selling their wares on-site throughout the weekend event.

Wednesday, 30 August 2023

Indian raiders

 Indian tactics while raiding from Gavin K. Watts The Burning of the Valleys

 "All of the men carried the axe and knife. In the van were warriors called “runners” who were armed with spontoons. Their task was to pursue and kill anyone who broke and ran. Most of the main body were armed with firelocks and these warriors were called “gunners”; these second wave men would scalp any of the victims who had been bypassed, gather in and guard the captives, destroy or take the livestock, plunder and destroy the buildings. Such a dense mass of men would have been an ideal target for any disciplined form of resistance, but there was none, either expected or encountered. The Indians understood that speed would give them surprise, which in turn would ensure the taking of captives. Surprise also prevented the hiding of family treasures, so the plunder would be of the best quality. Also, there was no time to release the livestock into the woods, so it was easily destroyed or collected and driven to the rear as victuals."

 "The captive Steele wrote how one man described his warning of the Indians’ approach. Before he could see the advancing mass, there was a noise of sheep or cattle running at full speed through water. This fluid-like sound of their running must refer to the dull jangling of the small metal cones with which the Indians decorated the outside edges of their garments. When moving stealthily, even the smallest sound from the cones warned the wearer that he might be heard. When moving at speed, the cones struck together making this distinctive, water-like rushing noise. Contrary to what one might expect, there was great discipline in this attack and the advancing band “kept a profound silence” as they ran forward. Prisoners who were taken were warned to keep utterly silent on pain of death. The terrifying war halloo and the triumphant scalp call were held until a predetermined signal."



Tuesday, 29 August 2023

Newtown 1779


Today's anniversary. Major battle of the Sullivan-Clinton expedition. Defeat for the Iroquois and Butler's Rangers. Wiki

Orders of battle

200-250 Butler's Rangers
300-350 SenecaCayugaMohawk, and Munsee Delaware
14 British regulars (8th Regiment of Foot)

Against

3,200 Continental regulars
2 companies of militia
9 artillery pieces

Saturday, 26 August 2023

Thursday, 24 August 2023

New Iroquois for Muskets and Tomahawks

 https://www.northstarfigures.com/

Available to buy from this weekend. A new pack of 6 Braves plus a new Sachem, based on Joseph Brandt.

#northstarfigs #musketsandtomahawks #wargames #wargaming #studiotomahawks

Lochry's Defeat 1781

 


Today's anniversary is this battle between Militia and indians. Wiki here

Wednesday, 23 August 2023

Jäger-Corps von Creuzbourg

By Don Troiani

Wiki Here. This body of Jägers from Hesse-Hanau were involved in the New York theatre. Be nice to see a group of Jägers in the U. K. for the 250th. 

Tuesday, 22 August 2023

Fort Stanwix

 Fort Stanwix as it appeared August 6, 1777, as interpreted by the artist, Peter Hugunine, in 1897. The original oil painting has not been located. Source: From an engraving owned by the Fort Stanwix Museum, Rome, New York. From here  https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/fost/history/hsr-illustrations.htm

where are more Fort plans etc.


George Winter

 Encampment of Potawatomi at Crooked Creek Indiana. Article on the artist here. His Wiki is here. More of his paintings here




Black Hawk and His son Whirling Thunder Painting by John Wesley Jarvis

 


Old Fort Schuyler

 


Raiders of the Mohawk Group on Facebook

 


https://www.facebook.com/groups/953290235527580/

Amusing anecdote from G. K. Watts The Burning of the Valleys.


At about dusk, the force stopped at the house of Angus McDiarmid on the Paisley road. Some of Munro’s force assembled inside, the natives amongst them being delighted by Mrs. McDiarmid’s spinning wheel. Word of the marvel passed amongst the Indians and soon the house became so full of people taking turns spinning the wheel that the floor collapsed dumping everyone into the cellar.168 All of the raiders escaped without harm, but the McDiarmid’s had great cause to regret their hospitality.

Saturday, 19 August 2023

Blue Licks 1782

 


Today's anniversary. Blue Licks. A battle that has Daniel Boone, Simon Girty and Indians. The last significant battle of the Revolution. 

See  a short film about it here

Divided Loyalties film (1990)

 I watched this yesterday. It's O.K. Not brilliant but worth watching if you have an interest in the subject matter. 

Wiki

Divided Loyalties is a Canadian historical drama television film, directed by Mario Azzopardi and broadcast by CTV in 1990.[1] The film stars Jack Langedijk as Mohawk leader Joseph Brant, portraying his "divided loyalties" between British and American allies during the American Revolutionary War, and Tantoo Cardinal as his sister Molly Brant.[2]



Fort Ti (1953)

  Full movie here . This was shown by the BBC in the 80s as part of their 3D night. It's not a great movie. Wiki