quote:

The one I subscribe to is that the mercenary Hessians simply did not have the will to win at any cost, including their own lives. The American Riflemen were fighting for freedom they believed in and were willing to make whatever sacrifice necessary. They proved to be the more determined fighter and won.
In Feb. 1779, George Rogers Clark (later General Clark) led 170 Riflemen through 300 miles of flooded land, in the rain and cold from Kaskaskia (now Illinois) to a British fort at Vincennes, in Illinois territory (now Indiana) and, with rifle accuracy and determination defeated a fort with several thousand well trained and well equipped British soldiers. It goes on and on.

[heavy sigh]

Please pay attention...., THE HESSIANS WERE NOT MERCENARIES! GAD! They got the same pay they received in Europe, and some units from Ansbach-Bayreuth got a recruiting bonus for their families of no taxes while they were away. THAT WAS IT! Their rulers were paid just as King George II, father of King George III was paid when he sent British troops to aid his German cousins, decades before. "Mercenary" was a propaganda term applied to the Germanic troops by civilian leaders trying to drum up support for the rebellion.

The riflemen won? Ft Washington saw the rifle regiments decimated by German Musketmen and Grenadiers. (Ft Lee was abandoned without a fight) The Germans went at Moses Rawling's 250 riflemen twice and were halted, only to overcome them the third time (a valid demonstration of determination). So much for the argument that the rifles alone would've secured victory for the war. It was painfully demonstrated that rifles could not succeed even from a fortified position.

SEVERAL THOUSAND WELL TRAINED TROOPS AT VINCENNES? DUDE where do you get this dreck? Clark had less than 200 men, and Hamilton had ONE under-strength company of regulars (30 men), and 145 militia, plus 60 Native allies. Some sources say the entire garrison was less than 100 men, others say the garrison outnumbered Clark 2 to 1 so that would be 340 men (mostly militia), not even close to several thousand well trained and well equipped British soldiers!

With the exception of Saratoga, where Arnold was 50% of the reason the Continentals forced Burgoyne to surrender (imho), the rifle played a somewhat important role, which many overrate, possibly from a romantic notion about it's effectiveness. Musket men going toe to toe with British and German regulars won the war.

LD

The Battle of Freeman's Farm and Morgan's riflemen stopping the flank attack is an example of the rifle's role. Regardless of the bravery of Arnold during that fight IF the British had executed their 'trademark' flank attack the battle could have or probably would have been lost.
The Bristish gained a healthy respect for the rebels ability to handle a weapon at the Battle of Bunker (Breed's) Hill. Their ability to reload their weapons quickly, more than likely fowlers and aim their weapons convinced the British that to conduct a frontal assault against these fellows was not going to be the right way of winning this war. If you notice, after the Battle of Bunker Hill the British executed a series of flanking maneuvers at Brooklyn Heights, Freeman's Farm an the Battle of Brandywine.
I've read a few differing versions of this battle, which differed on one important item, did Howe know exactly where Jeffrie's Ford was?? He knew as he was told by a Loyalist that the ford existed but did Howe know where it was. No one is going to use a main battle line to find a ford so I figure Howe had to send out scouting parties supported by skirmish lines to find that ford. If someone has a differing account I would be all ears. Washington had already sent Morgan up to Gates; IF Washington had kept his riflemen with him and posted his right flank with those riflemen like Gates did, actually in this case Gate's left flank, would have Howe found that ford and subsequently crush Washington's right flank???

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Crawdad,

Yes, agreed, as I mentioned with the exception of Saratoga, which was Freeman's Farm and Bemis Heights spread out over several days. It is not, however, the exception that proves the rule.

LD

Even though the Kentuxky/longrifle gained a reputation throughout the world and gave us the label of a 'Country of Riflemen' it was the smoothbore/fowler and men, very important here, who were versed in its use that gave us the victory.
Even Morgan Himself accredited the the 'Musquet and Bayonette' men to support us (His Riflemen) or they would have been of 'little service' at the Battle of Saratoga. And as Dave has pointed out a series of battles over the course of several days.