"Duke" Jacob 1759 (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

Among Rogers Rangers who participated in the 1759 Raid on St. Francis was a freed African American slave named Jacob who earned the nickname "Duke" because of the decorative flourishes he added to his Ranger uniform.

I think a figure of "Duke" Jacob would be an excellent historical addition to John's Raid on St. Francis line. Below are pictures and text related to Jacob.

1. Burt Loescher's 4 volume History of Rogers Rangers. Volume 4 covers the Raid on St. Francis.

2. Text from volume 4 by Loescher discussing "Duke" Jacob

3. Illustration from volume 4 showing Jacob with the dead Ranger Robert Pomeroy who had taken a ruby ring from St. Francis

4. Illustration from Gary Zaboly's American Colonial Ranger: The Northern Colonies 1724-1764 showing Jacob in the center of an illustration depicting the Aftermath of the Battle Near Old Fort Anne, August 1758.

 

[Leadmen]

Another fact about the F/I war and the rangers which I did not know. Thanks Randy for the colorful illustrations and a bit of history. John

 

[mikemiller1955]

Nice find and interesting story Randy...great photo too.

 

[PolarBear]

Nice find and interesting story Randy...great photo too.

I have sent this material on to John so if you and others like the idea let John know.

Randy

 

[pugio]

In the early 70's, while at Fort Ti, I picked up an original HB copy of Mr. Loescher's first volume for $10, signed and numbered by him--- it was self-published in '46 or '47. The book was in mint condition and still is. I've been offered up to $650 for it. It's an heirloom that will be passed on....

 

[mikemiller1955]

I would welcome him Randy...

do you have any more links to his role in the Rangers...

in an email the other day I asked him some very specific questions about the direction of his Raid on St. Francis...

most specifically if he intended to cover the "raid" itself and he intended to build some of the European style structures that inhabited the village of St. Francis...

he has released whaleboats...an Indian palisade...a fort, canoes and cabins...

I was wondering if he was actually going to cover the raid itself...

has he ever gone into any detail with you about it...

I have 2 very long emails in my inbox from him right now that seem to have some definitive answers...

let me read them and I'll pass on some info...

by the way...in the picture you posted...I'm guessing John has seen it...maybe it was his inspiration for “He Aint Heavy, He’s My Brother” from Snow Shoes...

he did mention that you were requesting some camp and non-combat scenes for the Nile series...

 

[PolarBear]

Just received from John re: my post on "Duke" Jacob


Hi Randy

The Duke is definitely on my list of characters to make for the St.Francis raid!
The Loescher books are excellent, I highly recommend them, although they are a little bit expensive. But I do love mine J

I think there is a colour picture in the Osprey book , Warrior “American Colonial Ranger” of a black Ranger
Also there is a Whaleboat sketch , with a figure who I seem to have read somewhere is supposed to have been Roger’s personal aid. I’m not sure of the correct term, but he was supposed to be a young man, and his name was “Prince”.
I found nothing in the Loescher books on him, and cannot remember where it was I read this?


The Osprey sketch John refers to is illustration 4 in my post.