General Gage, take care of your nose!

[CarrollMS]

Transcription: see a copy of a quotation from a period newspaper article attached


"A correspondent informs us that one the gentlemen appointed to command a company or RIFLE MEN, to be raised in one of our frontier counties, had so many applications from the people in his neighbourhood, to be enrolled for the service, that a greater number presented than his instructions permitted him to engage, and being unwilling to give offence to any, thought of the following expedient, vis. He, with a piece of chalk, drew on a broad the figure of a nose of the common size, which he placed at the distance of one hundred and fifty yards, declaring that those who should come nearest the mark should be enlisted, when sixty odd hit the objects --- General Gage, take care of your nose."


It might be fun to use this at a KD centerfire course, maybe even a Rimfire KD course at 1/2 the distance.  Draw the nose on targets at 150 and see who can hit it.   Not sure of the size? take your calipers and ask for a volunteer, maybe the Shoot Boss!  You could set up two or more targets and make it a team challenge and award a "Gage's Nose" Award!


This story sounds similar to Morgan's Shingle, but it may refer to one of the other six companies raised in Marland and Virginia.


Tactics of the Rifle Companies, etc. https://www.revolutionarywarjournal.com/rifles-in-revolutionary-america-premier-weapon-of-the-world-why-did-the-military-still-use-muskets/

[AF5US]

"General Gage, take care of your nose." 

Yep. That line is going to be worked into the shingle challenge at next month's known distance event.