This is a little (well more than a little) off topic in this thread, but maybe someone can help me out. Recently, there was posted a link to a lengthy description of the accomplishments of Timothy Murphy including info on the battles of Saratoga and the role of Daniel(?) Morgan and his rifleman company. I wanted to print the article, but I was on a computer without a printer, and now I've lost the thread, link, and all.
Anybody know the thread/link?
FF
Here's good link on what you are looking for FF :
http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/history/american/4459-the-american-rifleman-in-the-revolutionary-war.
From a historical perspective, in my mind, it is pretty amazing that one man that knows how to shoot his rifle accurately, could be the key stone to winning a battle wherein thousands of soldiers participated.
"Morgan called for Sergeant Timothy Murphy, his finest sharpshooter, and said, "That gallant officer is General Fraser. I admire him, but it is necessary that he should die. Do your duty." From other accounts, I have understood that Murphy was shooting a double barreled flintlock rifle that day. Resting his rifle on a branch in the tree he climbed, is first shot missed Fraser. His second shot hit it's mark.
It is also important to realize, the American rifle corps in the Revolutionary War knew the shortcomings of the conventional soldier's musket's trajectory.
As a result, many, many British officers died by the barrel of "backwoods common folk" that knew their rifle very well.
No congac for you tonight General, rum for the Riflemen instead.
