Life and Death of a French Soldier in the American War of Independence 1778-1781 by Bertrand Jost

 Life and Death of a French Soldier in the American War of Independence 1778-1781 eBook : JOST, BERTRAND: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Through extensive research, the author reconstructed the story of a young French foot soldier from his enlistment in the King’s army in 1778 to his death in November 1781, shortly after the battle of Yorktown. The story of Hans Stiegel serves as a thread to paint a broader picture of the American War of Independence through the eyes of the lower French ranks and helps answer some of the fundamental questions behind the reality of this war. Why did these men enlist? How were they treated by their aristocratic officers? What was military life like in the barracks of France, in the colonies and while on expedition in America? What was it like to cross the Atlantic on an overcrowded transport? Upon arrival, what did these uneducated men think of the Americans they encountered: soldiers, civilians and slaves? What did they think of America itself and what was it like to fight in Yorktown when one had to spend the nights digging trenches under constant enemy shelling and days fighting British sorties or storming enemy positions?To portray the war through the eyes of an enlisted soldier, the author focused on previously overlooked details in a large set of officers’ accounts, incorporated new less known and unpublished sources and studied regiment rolls to gather details and statistics on the war casualties. It took sixteen years to compile this extensive material, translate it and weave it into a chronological account.

Newtown 1779

 

The Battle of Newtown (August 29, 1779) was the only major battle of the Sullivan Expedition, an armed offensive led by Major General John Sullivan that was ordered by George Washington to end the threat of the Haudenosaunee who had sided with the British in the American Revolutionary War. Opposing Sullivan's four brigades were 250 Loyalist soldiers from Butler's Rangers, commanded by Major John Butler, and 350 Haudenosaunee and Lenape (Delaware). Butler and Mohawk war leader Joseph Brant did not want to make a stand at Newtown, and instead proposed to harass the enemy on the march, but were overruled by Sayenqueraghta and other Indigenous war leaders.

This battle, which was the most significant military engagement of the campaign, took place at the foot of a hill along the Chemung River just outside what is now Elmira, New York.

French army Osprey

 A really fine book. 1992.

The French forces that fought during the American War of Independence (1775-1783) were, to a large extent, a product of the disasters of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763). During that war the fleet had been swept off the oceans, and nearly all colonies had been lost. Sweeping reforms were demanded. From the end of 1762 a series of royal orders dictated by common sense and good planning were signed by the king, and a vast reorganisation was started, ensuring that the army that fought in the American War presented a very different, altogether more formidable threat to her foes.

The French Army in the American War of Independence: : Men-at-Arms René Chartrand Osprey Publishing - Osprey

1/32 American Revolutionary War French Infantry Crowdfunding Project

1/32 American Revolutionary War French Infantry Crowdfunding

This looks great. I love this scale and the French are very interesting to me. 

Battle of Kenapacomaqua 1791

Today in history. Battle of Kenapacomaqua - Wikipedia

Oriskany 1777

 An Account at Oriskany |

The Battle of Oriskany (/ɔːrˈɪskəniː/ or /əˈrɪskəniː/) was a major engagement of the Saratoga campaign during the American Revolutionary War. On August 6, 1777, an American column of Tryon County militia and Oneidas marching to relieve the siege of Fort Stanwix was ambushed by a contingent of Britain's Indigenous allies and Loyalists. It was one of the few battles of the war in which most non-Indigenous participants were settlers born in the Thirteen Colonies. The Americans suffered heavy casualties during the battle.he Battle

Stomping Freedom

 Film Storyboard

A new historical film titled "Stomping Freedom", produced by Caesar's Ford Theatre, Inc. and directed by Kane Stratton. Jake portrays Weyanpersenwa (Whirlpool/Blue Jacket) in the film. Director @kanestratton stated: "an homage to the dignity and pride of American Indian peoples who resisted the American Revolution, this film will show you a side of history that's not ever been seen before."

There are more photos and information about this film on the American Indian-led arts nonprofit Caesar's Ford Theatre website, cftohio.org/film-storyboard .

New France & Old England 30th

 New France & Old England 30th anniversary | Facebook

It is nearly 30 years since our first major event at the American Museum Bath. Join the FB group if you are interested.

St Malo drill

 At Fort de Petit Bé two Compagnies franches de la Marine units, one the le Lys sous l'Erable, based in France, and the other Garnison de Quebec, from Canada. They did some excellent demonstrations of the 1755 French infantry exercises and also explanations and demonstrations of 18th century infantry tactics. 

The Battle of Minisink

 The Battle of Minisink took place during the American Revolutionary War at Minisink Ford, New York, on July 22, 1779. It was the only major skirmish of the Revolutionary War fought in the upper Delaware River valley. The battle was a decisive Iroquois and Loyalist victory, as the Patriot militia was hastily assembled, ill-equipped and inexperienced.

Could You Survive the French and Indian War? | Braddock's Defeat 1755

 Could you survive one of the toughest military campaigns in history - the Braddock expedition to the North American wilderness in 1755? Watch to find out

Defenders of New France

 2027. 

Fully illustrated, this lively study tells the story of the forces fighting for Montcalm and New France during the struggle for Canada in 1754–63.

During the French and Indian War, the defenders of New France were led by the redoubtable Louis-Joseph de Montcalm, whose initial battles with the British and their allies in 1756–58 culminated in the momentous clash on the Plains of Abraham in 1759. In this lively study, Robbie MacNiven examines the various forces led by Montcalm in Canada at a formative time in that country's history.

Montcalm's forces were composed of recently arrived regular French Army troops alongside locally recruited militia and seasoned French colonial infantry, working in conjunction with a number of First Nations peoples hostile to the British. All elements of the diverse forces defending New France are assessed in this engaging account, drawing upon the latest research and findings from the battlefields and garrisons of 18th-century Canada. The fighting men involved are depicted in detail in the period illustrations and specially commissioned artwork plates.

Fort Niagara 2026

 

Versailles in France.

 

Event in France

 

Nagara 300

 Join us as we celebrate the 300th anniversary of a true historic gem — our 1726 French Castle!

On Rededication Day Saturday, June 6, the Fort will present:

Ongoing living history demonstrations of skills and trades needed to build the French Castle

Immersive programs about soldier life

A glimpse into the historical interactions between the French and Indigenous peoples

Don't miss out! Purchase your ticket today!

https://www.oldfortniagara.org/special-events

#thingstodo #militaryhistory #familyfun

Battle of Stillman's Run

 Battle of Stillman's Run - Wikipedia

The Battle of Stillman's Run, also known as the Battle of Sycamore Creek or the Battle of Old Man's Creek, occurred in Illinois on May 14, 1832. The battle was named for the panicked retreat by Major Isaiah Stillman and his detachment of 275 Illinois militia after being attacked by an unknown number of Sauk warriors of Black Hawk's British Band. 

Pulteney's Regiment

 (2) Facebook

'The regiment recently spent a day filming for a Documentary on the 7 Years War in North America. Some private woodland in Worcestershire provided a wonderful setting as the backwoods of the Ohio Valley, Pennsylvania.

We were joined by our friends from the Edinburgh City Guard and the Worcestershire Cavalry. The documentary will be out in July, but here are some sneak preview shots courtesy of Manth Photography

If you'd like to get involved with events like this, and wear a red coat for King George II, please send us a message. New recruits are always welcome.'

Siege of Quebec (1760)

Francis de Gaston, Chevalier de Levis (1719-1787) avec le bâton de maréchal

 Started today in 1760. Lasted until May 15. Siege of Quebec (1760) - Wikipedia

Battle of Sainte-Foy

 The Battle of Sainte-Foy (French: Bataille de Sainte-Foy) sometimes called the Battle of Quebec (French: Bataille du Quebec), was fought on April 28, 1760, near the British-held town of Quebec in the French province of Canada during the Seven Years' War (called the French and Indian War in the United States). It was a victory for the French under the Chevalier de Lévis over the British army under General Murray. The battle was notably bloodier than the Battle of the Plains of Abraham of the previous September, with 833 French casualties to 1,124 British casualties.

At first the British had some success, but the advance masked their artillery, while the infantry became bogged down in the mud and melting snowdrifts of the late spring. The battle turned into a two-hour fight at close range; eventually, as more French soldiers joined the fray, the French turned the British flanks, forcing Murray to realize his mistake and to recall the British back to Quebec without their guns, which Lévis then turned on the city.

How to Hessian: Part One

How to Hessian: Part One

The book "How to Hessian: Part One" is a comprehensive guide for modern reenactors and enthusiasts of the Hessian infantry. It provides critical parts of the 1767 Hessian Infanterie Reglement for the Gemeiner, including the oft-translated Handgriffe procedure for parade exercise, and offers insights into the organization, rank structure, and vocabulary of the Hessian soldier. The book features original German and English translations, over 50 period illustrations, and is designed to be user-friendly for those interested in Hessian impressions. 

shope-arms.com

Détachement de la Colonie et la Garnison de Québec à la forteresse de Louisbourg. Crédit photo G. Bergeron

 

Hessian event

 

1/72 Hessians

 HaT have released three new sets depicting Hessian troops during the American War of Independence. They show musketeers in battle poses and charging, plus grenadiers in parade and combat. These are sets 8348, 8349 and 8353, and are already at some retailers.

Down the Warpath to the Cedars Indians' First Battles in the Revolution by Mark R. Anderson

 Down the Warpath to the Cedars - University of Oklahoma Press

In May 1776 more than two hundred Indian warriors descended the St. Lawrence River to attack Continental forces at the Cedars, west of Montreal. In just three days’ fighting, the Native Americans and their British and Canadian allies forced the American fort to surrender and ambushed a fatally delayed relief column. In Down the Warpath to the Cedars, author Mark R. Anderson flips the usual perspective on this early engagement and focuses on its Native participants—their motivations, battlefield conduct, and the event’s impact in their world. In this way, Anderson’s work establishes and explains Native Americans’ centrality in the Revolutionary War’s northern theater.

Anderson’s dramatic, deftly written narrative encompasses decisive diplomatic encounters, political intrigue, and scenes of brutal violence but is rooted in deep archival research and ethnohistorical scholarship. It sheds new light on the alleged massacre and atrocities that other accounts typically focus on. At the same time, Anderson traces the aftermath for Indian captives and military hostages, as well as the political impact of the Cedars reaching all the way to the Declaration of Independence. The action at the Cedars emerges here as a watershed moment, when Indian neutrality frayed to the point that hundreds of northern warriors entered the fight between crown and colonies.

Adroitly interweaving the stories of diverse characters—chiefs, officials, agents, soldiers, and warriors—Down the Warpath to the Cedars produces a complex picture, and a definitive account, of the Revolutionary War’s first Indian battles, an account that significantly expands our historical understanding of the northern theater of the American Revolution.

1622 – Jamestown massacre

Occurred today in 1622

 Indian massacre of 1622 - Wikipedia

”Dreyzehender Theil Americæ, das ist: forsetzung der Historien von der Newen Welt […]”, Frankfurt am Main 1628

1st Royals at Trenton Barracks NJ pic by Richard Patterson 2008

 Major John Wright’s Company.