Rogers' Rock, Lake George, March 13, 1758: A Battle Fought on Snow Shoes

A descendant's narrative recounts a winter 1758 reconnaissance from Fort Edward toward Ticonderoga in which a ranger company moved on snowshoes and skates, conducted stealthy night approaches, and ambushed a French-Indian advance guard. Initial success killed many attackers, but larger enemy reinforcements turned the battle, producing heavy casualties, brutal killings of surrendering men, and scattered flight. The account gives close tactical detail of mountain and ice fighting, names of officers and privates, and a dramatic escape by the unit leader who slid down a precipitous rock to the frozen lake and fled across the ice.