Frontier Militiaman in the War of 1812

Southwestern Frontier

Frontier Militiaman in the War of 1812 cover

Description

"He who relies on militia leans upon a broken cane." (George Washington)

Osprey's survey of militiamen of the War of 1812. The great military effectiveness of semi-trained local militia is one of the enduring myths of American military history. In this book Ed Gilbert reveals the truth behind this myth. Quoting from memoirs of men like Sam Dale, Sam Houston, and rare histories, he sheds light on who these frontier men actually were. He chronicles how militiamen, ranging from hard-working farmers to politicians like Davy Crockett, were transformed through hard campaigning, fierce combat, and Andrew Jackson's equally fierce discipline, into a formidable fighting force.

Contemporary illustrations and artwork depict the rough life on campaign and the uniforms worn by the militia. He details how they fought and won the crucial battle of Horseshoe Bend, and how finally on the swampy Plains of Chalmette a scratch force of State Militias, Federal Regulars, US Marines, and Jean Lafitte's mercenary pirates inflicted a stunning defeat on General Pakenham's forces, opening up the western frontier for the new nation.

Table of Contents

Introduction · Chronology · Recruitment · Training · Appearance and Equipment · On Campaign · Belief and Belonging · In Combat · Aftermath · Bibliography · Color Plate Commentary · Index

Product details

Published Sep 23 2008
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 64
ISBN 9781846032752
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 6 b/w; 7 col
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Warrior
Short code WAR 129
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Ed Gilbert

Ed Gilbert has written numerous titles in Osprey’s…

Illustrator

Adam Hook

Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his wo…

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