Revolutionary Rangers Daniel Morgans Riflemen and Their Role on the Northern Frontier 1778 1783

Revolutionary Rangers: Daniel Morgan’s Riflemen and Their Role on the Northern Frontier, 1778-1783 – Richard B. LaCrosse, Jr. with introduction by Harry Kels Swan. Strengthen your understanding of the colonial struggle for independence with this book about the campaigns and exploits of the riflemen during these critical years of the Revolution, with special emphasis on the New York State frontier.

Here is the complete account of the riflemen and their weapons; the formation and battle record of this elite regiment; activities in Schoharie, Onoquaga and Unadilla; and during Sullivan’s campaign against the Iroquois. Biographical sketches detail the careers of the officers and men. Of special interest is an analysis of the myths versus the facts regarding the life of the legendary Timothy Murphy.

Appendices include a biographical sketch of Captain Jacob Hager; some new research on clothing; dress, equipage and firearms of American rifle officers; monuments, landmarks and historical sites associated with the riflemen; and a muster roll of the rifle corps in 1779.

“Author-rifleman Richard LaCrosse, Jr. contributes in this essay a vital but forgotten chapter of our national Revolutionary War history. The role of the riflemen on the American northern frontier from 1777 to 1783, a vital segment in our war for political independence from Great Britain, has not been addressed by national historians. The significance of these farm-bred and trained soldiers, who employed American-made rifles in winning the war along this northern frontier, can now be assessed by students of our Revolution. In this splendid essay, author LaCrosse has contributed a readable and accurate portrait of a little-known and less appreciated segment of the American Revolution.”

Illustrated with photos and drawings, contains a fullname index, appendices, endnotes and list of suggested reading. 2002, 221 pp., appends, illus., fullname index, paper

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars An excellent source of information on this famous and unique regiment:
For me, this is a very interesting book about Morgan’s Riflemen, since my 4th great-grandfather served in this regiment, in his brother’s rifle company (Captain Gabriel Long). Many of the soldier’s names are listed, so if you have an interest in this unique regiment, pehaps because of an ancestor who served under Daniel Morgan, it is a “must have” book. The only disappointment is of a personal nature, in that my ancestor’s name is not listed on the muster roll in the book, even though there is documented proof of his service. I believe that it may have been a transcription error of some sort…but this in no way takes away from this excellent book by Mr. Lacrosse.

3 Stars Only centered on a few
I would have given it a higher rating if it had at least given credit to the entire roster of 500 men hand picked to be Riflemen. The original Roster as complete as possible would have been nice. It seems to only center around a few not the entire regiment. All of these unnamed men were just as brave as the few written about, many of them suffered with the rest of the men at Valley Forge and elsewhere and stayed with the Riflemen to the end of the war.
While it gives a good account of the some of the deeds performed by Morgan’s men, it should have been more centered on the entire group not just a few. Maybe there will be a follow up with more emphasis on the entire regiment?

5 Stars A valuable addition to the research library
This well-researched book provides valuable insight for the Revolutionary War student. While scholarly and fact driven, it makes this place and time in our history particularly accessible. It is especially of interest to those who would understand the significant role of the common man. Take special note of the photographs and the painstakingly presented appendices. Also, a nice bibliography is offered for further reading.

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