Narratives of the French & Indian War: 2

Six more accounts of the war of tomahawk and musket

This is the second volume in the Leonaur's 'Narratives of the French & Indian War' collection. This volume contains a six small accounts which would have been unlikely to see publication individually. For those interested in the unique period of the Seven Years War as it was fought among the forests and lakes of the largely undiscovered New World, each of these accounts will be a rare treat to be studied and savoured time and again. All the familiar figures and events of the time are here and this volume will be of particular interest to all those interested in the famous rangers who won immortal fame under their legendary leader, Robert Rogers. There are too many vital pieces to give details here, but the inclusion of a riveting account of the famous 'Fight on Snowshoes' will delight many readers. This is an invaluable book for all those interested in warfare in the eighteenth century.

we extract french and indian 2


Tuesday, 8 July, 1760. This morning we were alarmed about 6 o’clock by the enemy, who fell upon a party of Major Rogers’ rangers, just by their encampment on the other side the lake, all in sight of our encampment, and they have killed one on the spot and wounded six more, who are brought over to the hospital. I have been down to see them, and four of them are mortally wounded, two shot through their bodies, and one shot through his head, the other through both thighs; the two others may, with good care, git well. It was a very affecting sight to see the poor creatures lay weltering in their blood and fainting with death in their countenance.<br>
Immediately Major Rogers with his rangers ran out of their breast work and pursued the enemy, who are almost all French, but very few Indians among the party. ’Tis supposed there was 300 in their party, and the regular light infantry and several large parties of regulars to intercept them; and a subaltern of our troops and twenty-five men was sent down to the sloops to give them intelligence. It was a bold action, right in plain view of our forts and camps, and but a little way from Major Rogers encampment, and on the same side the lake; we have seen part of the rangers return, but what news I cannot learn. The same day we were settled and regimented, and I am in Colonel Saltonstall’s battalion, which is the first in the regiment, commanded by Brigadier General Ruggles. We then struck our tents and encamped on the right of all the Massachusetts troops.<br> Both the brigadiers battalions, Colonel Thos’ regiment on the left and Colonel Willard in the centre. Those captains belonging to the first battalion, after our being ranked, all went to the sutlers and drank to our better acquaintance, and then returned, mutually satisfied with our lots; and I am exceedingly rejoiced that it was my lot to fall amongst such agreeable officers.<br>
Wednesday, 9 July. This day am off duty, and have built us a fine booth. At the door of my tent, the weather extreme hot. Took a walk after dinner. Can hear no news in camp, only disputing of rank amongst officers, and whipping sutlers and soldiers. At evening had a letter from Lieutenant Richardson, who is well, but not content with his station. Major Rogers is returned without overtaking the enemy; the wounded men are all alive yet, but I don’t think they can live long.<br>
Thursday, 10th July. This day is very sultry, hot. I am off duty, building me another booth. Ensign Newhall is on a court martial. I let the president hold his court at my tent, because his had no booth finished for his convenience. I find this climate vastly hotter than I ever expected. I think it has been much hotter this six or seven days than I ever knew so many together in New England. Two of the wounded men of the rangers is dead; and Jacob Hallowell, that was wounded in Rogers’ fight before, is also dead of his wounds.<br>