|
Post by jamesg on Mar 29, 2012 22:06:27 GMT -5
Stephen, Got any source info on RoT militara? Chain fires on Black powder Revolvers and Rifles were indeed a threat back then and I'm sure they had them..Black powder shooters of today still have them. Usually caused from wrong sized Percussion caps or worn Nipples giving that tiny gap for the first shot fire to sneak in to the other loaded chambers in the cylinder. Its also possible for the fire to come thru the front if Bullets have a gap to powder.. Back into days that was rare they used lubed wads between Powder and Ball. A GOOD SEAL on all Chambers is the Key another problem for Rangers is Percussion Caps falling off the Nipple and that could be fatal in combat. I was always taught the Gun is only as good as the Gunner. From What I know Rangers were Good Gunners. Rangers I'm sure had these problems and solved these problems.
|
|
|
Post by sloanrodgers on Mar 29, 2012 23:09:21 GMT -5
Did you check out that McKay biography? Nah, I couldn't. I have Nance's Daredevils All but never sprung for the companion biographical volume. I understand and I can wait to look it up. I did appreciate that interesting New Orleans Delta article on the Dusenbury/ McKay shootout. A lot of Hays rangers lived by the gun and many died by it. Or in the case of a jailed Benjamin F. Hill by soldiers wielding axes.
|
|
|
Post by Hiram on Mar 30, 2012 17:33:11 GMT -5
The Consultation of 1835 (1 NOV-14 NOV) put together several articles concerning the military. They were as follows.
Article 1. There shall be a regular army created for the protection of Texas during the present war.
Article 2. The regular army of Texas shall consist of one Major General, who shall be commander-in-chief of all the forces both regulars and volunteers, called into public service during the war. (my italics)
NOTE: It is clear that the Provisional Government intended one person to be in command of both regulars and volunteers; it is equally clear that this was interpreted in the field quite differently.
Article 3. The commander-in-chief of the regular army of Texas shall be appointed by this convention (consultation) and commissioned by the governor.
Article 4. He shall be subject to the orders of the governor and council.
NOTE: No checks and balances between the two offices.
Article 5. His staff shall consist of one adjutant general, one, quartermaster general, one paymaster general, one surgeon general and four aides-de-camp, with their respective ranks as in the United States army in time of war, to be appointed by the major general and commissioned by the governor.
Article 6. The regular army of Texas shall consist of men enlisted for two years, and of volunteers for and during the continuance of the war.
NOTE: Prevailing belief was that the war would be over in less than 24 months; they did not expect a lengthy struggle.
Article 7. The regular army of Texas, while in service, shall be governed by the rules, regulations and discipline, in all respects , applicable to the regular army of the United States of America in as far as is applicable to our conditions and circumstances
Article 8. The regular army of Texas shall consist of eleven hundred and twenty men, rank and file.
Article 9. There shall be a corps of Rangers under the command of a Major, to consist of one hundred and fifty men, to be divided into three or more detachments, and which shall compose a battalion, under the Commander-in-Chief when in the field.
NOTE: Maj. Robert McAlpin Williamson was commissioned as the commander of this force which included the Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers.
Article 10. The Militia of Texas shall be organised as follows: all able-bodied men over sixteen, and under fifty years of age, shall be subject to militia duty.
Article 11. Every inhabitant of Texas coming within purview of the preceding article shall, on the third Monday of December next, or as soon thereafter as practicable, assemble at each precinct of their municipality, and proceed to elect one captain, one first lieutenant, and one second lieutenant to every fifty-six men.
NOTE: Details are spotty as to how closely this particular article was followed throughout the municipalities. If any Forum members have information on these assemblies, let me know.
Article 12. When said election shall have taken place, the judges shall certify to the Governor forthwith the names of the respective officers elected, who shall, as soon as practicable, make out and sign, and transmit commissions for the same; that if there shall be found to exist in any municipality more than three companies, the Captains or Commandants, on giving due notice thereof, shall call together the subalterns of said companies, and proceed to elect one Major; if of four companies, one Lieutenant-Colonel; if of five or more companies, one Colonel for the command of said companies, which shall constitute a regiment of said municipality; that if there shall be found to exist more than one regiment in said municipality, the whole number of field and company officers shall on due notice proceed to elect a Brigadier-General out of their number, who shall command the whole Militia in said municipality.
BRANCH TANNER ARCHER, President.
This addenda was added on motion of John A. Wharton: "Resolved, That the governor and council be empowered to issue writs of election to fill any vacancies that may occur in this body, and for the representation of those jurisdictions not yet represented or to cause a new election in toto for delegates to the convention of the first of March next."
|
|
|
Post by Allen Wiener on Mar 31, 2012 13:25:23 GMT -5
Very interesting, Hiram; thanks for posting this, along with your notes. Structuring the whole thing under a single commander (Houston) did not play out smoothly; units typically decided for themselves who they would follow. It is also important to note the lack of checks and balances, as you've done; the relationship between the governor (Smith) and the council went downhill fast.
|
|
|
Post by estebans on Mar 31, 2012 18:42:26 GMT -5
James, I'm going to jump the RoT militaria skein over to the "Common Rifle Accoutrements" thread at the TX Revolution and RoT section. "Ranger Tidbits" can probably happily run along like a Dixieland band with several discussions bobbing and weaving around each other, but you & I are getting further away from what Rangers used and are probably turning into a speed bump for the other discussions--
Stephen Schneider
|
|
|
Post by jamesg on Mar 31, 2012 21:45:19 GMT -5
Stephen, Sorry I still new and havent read every thread you must admit there's allot to read..but if I am making a forum social error. just point me in the right direction and i will try to comply Jim G.
|
|
|
Post by estebans on Mar 31, 2012 22:37:29 GMT -5
No faux pas, there, James. I don't think it becomes a faux pas until someone else tells us to move to another thread. No harm, no foul.
|
|
|
Post by jamesg on Apr 2, 2012 21:53:24 GMT -5
Texas Ranger Tidbit.. another weapon used effectively on Horseback was the Shotgun. The weapon on a moving Horse had a better chance hitting its target. While Not glamerous and rarely mentioned in the Texas Revolution and Rangers as the Colts, But used by Horse troops in America since the Revolution and very effective By Tenn Mounted Militia Units in the War of 1812 and even Travis' Cav unit Shotguns mentioned. and Hays supply reports requestng more Shot. Fast forward the CSA Cav units were well known using the shotgun. effectively on Horseback. .....certainly adds to the image of the Rangers vice the movies Consider the smooth bore musket.could be loaded with ball but not a effective range for a rifle.. but loaded with shot effective Close range weapon.
|
|
|
Post by jamesg on Apr 4, 2012 20:26:47 GMT -5
Texas Ranger Tidbit: a Prayer attributed to the Rangers before the storming of Monterrey.
" O,Lord, we are about to join battle with vastly superior numbers of the enemy, and Heavenly Father, we would mightily like for you to be on our side and help us. But if you can't do it, for Christ's sake don't go over to the Mexicans, but just lie low and keep dark, and you will see one of the damnedest fights you ever saw in all your Born days"..... Daily Democratic Statesman (Austin Texas)April 12 1874
|
|
|
Post by sloanrodgers on Apr 4, 2012 21:15:12 GMT -5
Texas Ranger Tidbit.. another weapon used effectively on Horseback was the Shotgun. The weapon on a moving Horse had a better chance hitting its target. While Not glamerous and rarely mentioned in the Texas Revolution and Rangers as the Colts, But used by Horse troops in America since the Revolution and very effective By Tenn Mounted Militia Units in the War of 1812 and even Travis' Cav unit Shotguns mentioned. and Hays supply reports requestng more Shot. Fast forward the CSA Cav units were well known using the shotgun. effectively on Horseback. .....certainly adds to the image of the Rangers vice the movies Consider the smooth bore musket.could be loaded with ball but not a effective range for a rifle.. but loaded with shot effective Close range weapon. I don't know about shotguns, but some of Hays' boys also used what they called Yagers (Jaegers) or the .54 caliber M1841 Mississippi Rifle from Harper's Ferry. A short, handy rifled weapon with a sling.
|
|
|
Post by jamesg on Apr 5, 2012 21:12:45 GMT -5
Texas Ranger Tidbit: not seen in movies Horse Holsters for Pistols were often used. so beside carrying on your person.... you may have addition fire power at hand. good to have in a mounted fight.
|
|
|
Post by sloanrodgers on Apr 18, 2012 21:31:51 GMT -5
Texas Ranger Tidbit: not seen in movies Horse Holsters for Pistols were often used. so beside carrying on your person.... you may have addition fire power at hand. good to have in a mounted fight. I think horse holsters were almost used before the advent of Colt's. Those horse pistols were cumbersome and seemed almost useless at full gallop, but maybe Mustang should weigh in on the matter.
|
|
|
Post by jamesg on Apr 19, 2012 13:00:30 GMT -5
I know Col Ed Burelson was well known for his horse holstered pistols on his many campaigns. Better terminology probably would be Pommel Holsters. and horse holsters were used by the US CAV in the Mexican American war as well and into the 1850s and even civil war and can still be bought. as Far as the single shot pistol on horse back is like the revolver. The gun is only as good as the gunner as far as effectiveness. We know Jack Hayes was well known for training his Rangers to shoot on horseback With any Fire arm training and familiarization and regular use makes the difference. you don't use it ..its a perishable skill lost.
|
|
|
Post by jamesg on Apr 23, 2012 16:13:05 GMT -5
Tidbit: Early Rangers used Tomahawks as well as the well know Hunting Knife.
|
|
|
Post by jamesg on Apr 23, 2012 22:24:47 GMT -5
Tibit: In the Texas Revolution and Republic of Texas a Capt. or above rank was entitled to a Private servant..not a solider, Reviewing Captain John J. Tumlinsons of the Rangers pay records for 1836 he was paid for his services, and forage for his 3 horses, and one private servant. So leads the question and possiblity of Slaves accompanying the Rangers and army in the field serving as camp keepers and cooks as well as the" Batman" (a english term for Officers servant) for Officers in the field.
of course it could have been a Mexican or whiteman too to fill that roll, but the money for was paid to the Capt.
|
|