In January 1757, Rogers' Rangers fought their first large-scale engagement, a bloody skirmish known as the First Battle on Snowshoes. The battle involved 2nd Lt. John Stark, who would later become a noted Revolutionary War general.
The expedition began Jan. 17 when Capt. Robert Rogers led 86 rangers out of Fort William Henry on snowshoes. After trekking over 35 miles, they reached Lake Champlain north of Fort Carillon. On Jan. 21, Stark was ordered to intercept a French sleigh, but the party found 10 sleighs and captured seven prisoners.
Interrogating the prisoners, Rogers learned of hundreds of troops at Fort Carillon. The rangers retreated south but were tracked by a French force of about 180 soldiers, militiamen and Native allies. The attack came in mid-afternoon, with Stark organizing a defense. Fighting stopped at nightfall, and the rangers continued south in darkness.
Stark and two others were sent ahead for aid, walking about 25 miles through deep snow to Fort William Henry. A sleigh party retrieved the wounded, including Rogers, who had been shot through the hand. They arrived at the fort Jan. 23.
An estimated 20 men were lost, including Capt. Thomas Speakman and Caleb Page Jr., brother of Stark's future wife. Stark was promoted to captain in March 1757 to lead Speakman's company. The battle is named for the season's deep snow and distinguishes it from a second battle in March 1758.
Originally reported by Union Leader.
Photo: David Cerini via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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