To Distress the French and Their Allies: Rogers' Rangers, 1755-1763

by Tim J. Todish, Gary S. Zaboly (Illustrator)

To Distress the French and Their Rogers’ Rangers, 1755-1763 introduces The Rangers of the French and Indian, Cherokee, and Pontiac’s War series that will document for the first time the histories of all ranger units, from each of the colonies, that served in the French & Indian War and after. Volume I begins with the most famous ranger unit of all―Robert Rogers’ Rangers, which served in the major campaigns in New York and Canada, and then in the Caribbean, and continued to fight in the Cherokee and Pontiac’s Wars. Meticulously researched using diaries, journals, period newspapers, military archives and other primary sources, this book tells the incredible story of America’s first special forces through the eyes of those who were there. It is the fullest account to date of the daring, improvised, volunteer military units under the overall command of New Hampshire frontiersman Robert Rogers who scouted the northeastern American forests in all seasons and in any weather and fought a lethal and ruthless enemy that were masters of irregular wilderness warfare. The famous Battles on Snowshoes are recounted in detail, as are such other legendary exploits as the portage of the whaleboats over the mountains between Lake George and Lake Champlain, and the tragic, marathon ordeal of the mission to and from Canada to destroy the Abenaki village of St. Francis. But also described are many of the lesser-known exploits of Rogers and his Rangers during the Seven Years War and its aftermath―the perilous winter journey -into the Great Lakes to accept the surrender of French forts and outposts on the western fringe of the French empire in America, battles against the Cherokee in the Carolinas, the storming of French citadels in the Caribbean, and the terrors of Pontiac’s Rebellion. Using primary sources from both sides of the conflicts including some never-before-published material, author Todish provides a balanced and well-rounded history of this fighting force that has been cloaked in legend for over 250 years and whose methods are still studied today by U.S. Army Rangers and other special forces. Featuring 140 illustrations (71 BW & 69 color)--maps, drawings, paintings and photographs, including 60 paintings and drawings by Gary S. Zaboly.

312 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2023

Reviews

[Adam Gutschenritter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this toward the beginning of researching the colonial rangers and the information and sources here have guided me to both secondary and primary sources. I loved the story of Rogers' Rangers and will definitely get volume 2 when it comes out. I want the story about Nathaniel Hale. Looking forward to comparing what was written in this book to what is written in the various other biographies of Robert Rogers and his Ranger Corps + compare it to the various books I have on Native American combat during this period as well.