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Post by brokennock on May 20, 2019 22:29:39 GMT -7
What would have been the predominant arms of the natives fighting in the F&I War in New England? My impression was that by this time native warriors and hunters had largely abandoned the bow and arrow in favor of flintlock arms.
I'm going to start another thread in the tavern that has more about why I ask.
Thanks,
Dave
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Post by Black Hand on May 21, 2019 6:06:49 GMT -7
Based on the time-frame, some sort of smoothbore arm (of French, English, Dutch or other origin).
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Post by Black Hand on May 21, 2019 6:12:51 GMT -7
I realize this isn't very profound, but a generalization of the information I've seen/read.
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spence
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Post by spence on May 21, 2019 21:45:36 GMT -7
Based on the time-frame, some sort of smoothbore arm (of French, English, Dutch or other origin). I would have said the same, but I have run across quite a few original items which make me think I'm probably wrong about that. This is a typical one: The History and Topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry Counties: [PA], by Isreal Daniel Rupp, 1846, pg. 106 Excerpt from letter: Lancaster, 24th of April, 1756. To Hon. R. H. Morris, Gov. Honored Sir:… The Indians make use of rifled guns for the most part, and there is such a difference between these sort of guns, and smooth bored, that if I was in an engagement with the savages, I would sooner stand my chance with one of the former sort, which might require a minute to clean load and discharge, than be possessed with a smooth bored gun, which could discharge three times in the same space; for at 150 yards distance with the one, I can seldom or ever hit the board of two feet wide and six feet long. I am, your Honor’s, &c. Edward Shippen Spence |
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spence
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Post by spence on May 21, 2019 22:06:16 GMT -7
Another one to tease us:
The Pennsylvania Gazette
April 17, 1760
CHARLESTOWN (in South Carolina) March 12.
Fort Prince George (Keowee) Feb. 28.
"Mr. Coytmore died of his Wound 25th Inst. the Day after the last Express set out. The same Day one of the soldiers was shot in the North East Angle of the Fort, from the Hills on the other Side of the River: He died of the Wound Yesterday. We have Reason to believe the Indians have a good many rifle barrel Guns amongst them, as their Bullets seem to come this Way with great Force.
Spence
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Post by brokennock on May 21, 2019 22:39:48 GMT -7
Thank you Spence. I am mostly wondering just how common it was for natives to still be fighting with bow and arrow during the F.&I. war. The painting in the article my post in the Tavern is about depicts the use of bow and arrow, including casualties with arrows sticking into them. The historians and art people are saying it must depict an F.&I. War scene, but I'm skeptical.
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Post by Black Hand on May 22, 2019 6:28:10 GMT -7
Then as now, there may have been hold-outs that still (for whatever reason) used bow/arrows. Be it for economic or "spiritual" reasons (or anything in-between)...
I don't see the use of the Bow/arrow as being out of the question in the period (after all, you can get many more shots downrange with a bow compared to a smoothbore in the same time, and with deadly effect). That said, most likely wanted the latest and best, which would mean finding some way to get a flintlock.
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Post by paranger on Jun 1, 2019 16:25:07 GMT -7
Then as now, there may have been hold-outs that still (for whatever reason) used bow/arrows. Be it for economic or "spiritual" reasons (or anything in-between)... I don't see the use of the Bow/arrow as being out of the question in the period (after all, you can get many more shots downrange with a bow compared to a smoothbore in the same time, and with deadly effect). That said, most likely wanted the latest and best, which would mean finding some way to get a flintlock. |
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Post by paranger on Jun 1, 2019 16:29:16 GMT -7
In times of trade embargo, such as the Anglo-Cherokee War during the Montgomery & Grant expeditions of 1760-61, the Cherokee reverted to the use of war bows again to make up for a shortage of serviceable firelocks. See the first and second battles of Echoee Pass.
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Post by Richard on Jun 1, 2019 18:04:57 GMT -7
I recall seeing a period account how the Native combatants, following their victory over Braddock's forces, scoured the battlefield for plunder, and left the Brown Bess muskets on the ground because they disdained them. Rifles were more suited to their style of fighting.
Richard/Grumpa
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spence
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Post by spence on Jun 1, 2019 21:45:53 GMT -7
The French under Niverville sent a raiding party against the settlement/fort of Number Four in March, 1747. Two Native American contingents, Abenaki and Iroquois, were involved. In a list of supplies provided for the raid, two items are of interest:
For the Abenaki...200 arrow heads
For the Iroquois...100 arrow heads
Spence
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Post by brokennock on Jun 1, 2019 21:58:18 GMT -7
Thank you Spence.
What is your take on the painting that prompted my starting this topic?
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spence
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Post by spence on Jun 2, 2019 8:03:20 GMT -7
I think I can say without fear of contradiction that it is a puzzle. Looks like something done by a 12-year-old boy.  Spence |
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Post by brokennock on Jun 2, 2019 19:33:50 GMT -7
Agreed.
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