One of the most interesting biographies I've read in some time is War on the Run: The Epic Story of Robert Rogers and the Conquest of America's First Frontier. Fascinating man, pivotal events in the history of the North American continent.
Robert Rogers lived an amazing life, with many accomplishments, in a tumultuous period of history. His physical exploits were legendary in his own time and even today would be difficult to duplicate with modern clothing and equipment. His leadership and cross-cultural expertise (his treatment of Indians, for example) were uncharacteristically noble for the time. You can learn a good deal about Robert Rogers at this Wikipedia page.
But apart from one history buff and some former military friends (Rogers Rules for Rangers are still part of the official Ranger Handbook and practiced today), no one seems to know about him.
For the first 3/4ths of the biography I was puzzled about this. "How can I not have heard about all this in history classes at school? Why isn't he more celebrated?"
And then I began reading about his decisions after 1768. He pretty much abandoned his family, and pursued selfish ambitions. He drank heavily later in life and was in and out of prison. He didn't side with the Americans during the Revolutionary War and retained his status as Major in the British Army. He caught Nathan Hale as a spy.
In sum: Rogers didn't end well. And American history remembers him little after 1768 because he was on the "wrong" side of the victors. (Had Rogers sided with the Revolution, American schoolchildren today might learn more about him.)
This kind of story should give men -- men like you and me -- pause for thought. Let's commit to making decisions daily towards ending well.
2 comments:
Frankly I think it is pretty poor that parts of history and historical people are left out of American education just because they don't happen to suit American policies.
History is history, and it needs to be taught regardless of whether or not someone thinks it is suitable.
Rogers went through a lot, and I would not try to defend how he acted towards friends & family, but in regards to fighting for what he believed in, then he had that right.
Simon Girty was another one seen in American history as a traito because he sided with the Indians! Frankly I think he made the right choice. It was a moral decision, not a political one.
With Respect & Regards, Le Loup.
Le Loup, I agree that we should work to see history taught well -- even when it didn't go as we might have wished. Otherwise we can't learn from it as God intends.
The part of Rogers' later life that I wish to avoid is the self-destructive abuse and fallout with his friends and especially his family. He made an honorable choice to side with England.
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