Roger's Rangers and tomahawk info on the tube

alphamaniv

alphamaniv

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Hey everyone! While at work the other day we had the history channel on and a show about Pontiac (the native american, not the car)was on. It had several pics of different tomahawks and talked about a failed night raid by some dude, that also involved a small group of rogers rangers. I didn't get to finish the show but it was pretty good. Did anyone else see it? Maybe I can check my local listings and get the name and if it comes back on. I wonder if Mr. Rogers gained respect for the tomahawk from his native american adversaries? According to this program many of the folks were "tomahawked", much to the horror of the english. I think this happened in the late 1760's or early 70's. I'll post more info if I can find it.

Found it! The show is called Frontier: Legends of the Old Northwest
Pontiac's Rebellion
 
Mr. Rodgers had a great understanding of the effectiveness and importance of the tomahawk as a combat tool long before forming his rangers. In fact he drafted a guideline of rules that rangers were to follow in the business of conducting themselves as rangers. One of the rules states to the effect 'to carry the axe/tomahawk' as a basic necessity.

Justin can probably find that exact document somewhere in the Ranger archives, it is printed in several books that I cannot recall at this time.

It is interesting that this same document speaks of fitting the rangers with blankets to make 'indian leggings' and 'indian coats' (capotes). Also moccassins were a standard issue.

It seems that the art of guerrila warfare was well on its way by this time. The bottom line then seemed to be 'keep it simple' and 'keep it deadly'. The Native philosophy closely followed this line and was a natural source of education and inspiration for Mr. Rodgers I suppose.
 
The history of the U.S. Ranger did not begin with Robert Rogers in the 1750's. Units specifically designated as Rangers and using Ranger tactics were employed on the American frontier as early as 1670. The Rangers of Captain Benjamin Church who brought the Indian Conflict known as "King Phillip's War" to a successful conclusion in 1675.

Rangers were organized in 1756 by Major Robert Rogers, a native of New Hampshire, who recruited nine companies of American colonists to fight for the British during the French and Indian War. Ranger techniques and methods of operation were an inherent characteristic of the American frontiersmen; however, Major Rogers was the first to capitalize on them and incorporate them into the fighting doctrine of a permanently organized fighting force. Therefore makeing him probably the most well know Ranger leader.

Now that the history lesson is over Major Robert Rogers was well aware of the benefits of the Tomahawk not only as a weapon but also as a field tool. The tomahawk was part of the basic issue during Major Robert Rogers command. He published a list of standing orders in which he makes mention of the tomahawk "Have your musket clean as a whistle, hatchet scoured, sixty rounds powder and ball, and be ready to march at a minute's warning." this is his 2nd standing order he makes mention of it one more time in his standing orders "Let the enemy come till he's almost close enough to touch, then let him have it and jump out and finish him up with your hatchet." which is his 19th and final standing order.
 
Never ask a Ranger about the history of the Rangers! ;)

I'm teasing - I'd actually like to hear more.
 
What are you trying to say Suzzane????

Sorry if I was a little long winded in my last post but the question was asked.

We will continue the history leasson tomorrow......:D
 
Bobby

Of course there is a test......

First Question: How many borthers and sisters did MAJ Robert Rogers have?

Second Question: Did any of them serve with MAJ Robert Rogers?

Third and Final Question: If so name the brother or sister.

Lets see how you do.:D
 
Keep up the good work, Justin.
We want more history and enlightment.

Thanks.
 
MTF3

I am still waiting for someone to take a stab at the three questions. Care to venture a guess??
 
OK, Ill GUESS! No brothers or sisters, makes the other questions moot! :D

If Andy Prisco is handy kick him for me!:p
 
Rob

Good guess but sorry to say you are wrong.

I will see Andy in about 2 weeks so I will wait till then.
 
...and he doesn't kick either...he just likes to choke me until I tap out...same principle though. ;)
 
Well crud, I lost! :( I even called my ex Ranger buddy and he didnt have a clue, the thing he remembered the most was when the jumped in during a REFORGER exersise at night, he heard his pack hit and he braced for landing, cept his pack hit the roof of a house and he ended up hitting the ground first and then his ruck hit him, he laid there for a day and a half before they found him with various busted bones! :eek:

Choking the $hit out of Andy will do for now, then buy him a beer for me! :)
 
Justin leave Andy alone! If you mess with him you will have to deal with somebody else!!!


Not me of course. Maybe Robert H. or Kevin but not me.
 
Ok, since there's NOTHING online about his family except his parents I'm going to go out on a limb because his parents got divorced and his mother remarried and had at least one more son that I can find. I also believe I've read that he had a step-sister.

Sooooo.........

1) He had an older brother, James and a younger step-brother (don't know the name). James and Robert joined together in southern New Hampshire.

James who served in the King's Rangers in Canada. The primary tasks of the King's Rangers were: 1) Scouting and reconnaissance for other corps, to include carrying dispatches. 2) Construction of fortifications and general garrison duties. 3) Assisting refugees in Quebec and aiding the escape of Loyalist families. 4) Guarding prisoners of war. 5) Employment in the secret service. He also later became a Major.
 
Way to go Suzanne you got 2 out of 3. The First question still remains. The second and 3rd are correct. James Rogers was the brother that later served with Robert Rogers.
 
FYI - don't think that Justin gives me the answers or anything - he won't even give me the answer to the question that I missed. :(

I was also wrong about the divorce. It was he and his wife Elizabeth that divorced, not his parents.

So what do I win?
 
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