While reading "So Many Brave Men", an acount of the Battle of Miniksink Ford in 1779, there is an after action report written by the commander of the Colonial Militia forces, Col. John Hathorn. In his report is this line,"...put the Indians in the utmost confusion, great numbers took into the river who fell from the well directed fire from our Rifle Men, and Incessant Blaze from our musketry...". As I read this, I understand it to say that both rifles and muskets were being used by the militia. Anyone have any idea what type of rifle may have been used in the area that comprised the lower Hudson Valley at this time? I always beleived that rifles were rare, even non- existant here at this time period.
And as an aside, I was married at the Chateau Hathorn, in Warwick, NY, and our wedding party actually had dinner in the main room of Colonel Hathorn's home. I had no idea who he was at the time. His home certainly lasted longer than my marriage did.
And as an aside, I was married at the Chateau Hathorn, in Warwick, NY, and our wedding party actually had dinner in the main room of Colonel Hathorn's home. I had no idea who he was at the time. His home certainly lasted longer than my marriage did.