Osprey Publications

Men at Arms 383

Colonial American Troops 1610-1774

By Rene Chartrand: Illustrated by David Rickman

The superb range of French Indian wars figures emerging from the moulds of Redoubt Enterprises have reawakened interest in this fascinating period and this latest offering from Osprey is a welcome addition to the reference works available for the period.

But these volumes do not only deal with the better known period of the mid to late C18th, but also the lesser known conflicts that marked the early years of colonial expansion within North America. The politics of the Old World inevitably impacted on the infant settlements in American and clashes between French, English, Dutch and Spaniards, all in competition for the riches of this new continent were frequent and at times bloody. This in addition to clashes with the native peoples desperately seeking to protect their way of life.

Rene Chartrand has continued the work begun in MAA 372 with this study of the provincial troops and militia units of The Carolinas, Pennsylvania, Deleaware and the Canadian Provinces. I found the sections describing the various Ranger companies very interesting. Is suppose that most have heard of Rogers Rangers and their near legendary exploits (near disastrous though many of them were), but not much is heard of Goreham's Rangers who proved so valuable in the Quebec Campaign, and even served in Cuba! Even less is known of the various State Ranger companies, and here Rene give an introduction to their activities, and an extensive bibliography to allow further research by the reader.

The illustrations, which include a selection photographs of historical sites and reconstructions as well as contemporary engravings are tothe usual high standard that has become the norm with Osprey products. The colour plates, produced by David Rickman perfectly compliment the text, and are eye openers in themselves. I was particularly struck by the two plates showing rangers wearing indian dress and paint, an affectation that I knew was adopted by the French, but was not aware was aped by the British.

All in all an excellent volume, and one which I highly recommend to any interested in this period of American History.

Paperback: 48 pages; ISBN: 1841764833

Price £8.99/$1495

This publication is available from Osprey direct, PO Box 140, Wellingborough, Northants, U.K., NN8 2FA or click the link below: -

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JOS