Frontier Partisans

The Adventurers, Rangers and Scouts Who Fought the Battles of Empire

Roll On, Cowboys

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Andy Hedges has one of the best job descriptions around. He calls himself a Cowboy Songster. The “songster” tradition dates back to the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, sort of a “modern” iteration of the minstrel trade. Black and White musicians alike shared a repertoire of story songs and ballads like Frankie & Johnny. The songster … [Read more...] about Roll On, Cowboys

The Ghost & The Darkness In Walnut And Steel

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Spencer Dutton and his ravishing (and ravished) fiancé Alexandra look to be leaving Africa for Montana after Episode 4 of 1923.  I shall miss the Africa storyline, and its magnificent landscapes, but, well... a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, and Spencer is needed at the Yellowstone. Nevertheless, dreams of Africa are always welcome … [Read more...] about The Ghost & The Darkness In Walnut And Steel

Wheellocks & Stone Projectile Points

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Native hunters used stone projectile points 16,000 years ago on what is now Nez Perce land in Idaho. The points resemble points found in Japan. How cool is this? CORVALLIS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State University archaeologists have uncovered projectile points in Idaho that are thousands of years older than any previously found in the Americas, … [Read more...] about Wheellocks & Stone Projectile Points

The Great Desert Raid

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We dropped down on the desert Left that storm behind Four more hours we’re in Vegas Traffic and freeway signs — Ian Tyson, The Steeldust Line Lady Marilyn and I conducted an epic lightning raid over the weekend into what is right now the Biggest Cowtown in America. Las Vegas. Yep. It’s the National Finals Rodeo, and Vegas rolls out the … [Read more...] about The Great Desert Raid

Firearms Of The Frontier Partisans — Sleigh Gun

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The season’s upon us. Soon, Badass Santa will climb into his sleigh and soar into the night sky on his magical mission to bring trade goods to the world. Surely, Badass Santa is packing a Sleigh Gun. Oh, yes, there is such a thing — a large-bore muzzleloader cut down to the perfect size to manage in a sleigh. Here’s a collection of Swedish … [Read more...] about Firearms Of The Frontier Partisans — Sleigh Gun

Working The Trapline — Chewed Balls, The Furiosa & The Great Highland Pipes

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The army is in great spirits, and full of rage and ferocity at the rebellious rascals, who both poisoned and chewed the musket balls, in order to make them the more fatal. — Lt. John Waller, British 2nd Marine Battalion, Bunker Hill What now? Chewed musket balls? Yes, this was a thing — though what kind if thing it actually was is still a bit of … [Read more...] about Working The Trapline — Chewed Balls, The Furiosa & The Great Highland Pipes

Firearms Of The Frontier Partisans — The Edward Marshall Rifle

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“It is doubtful whether any other firearm in existence has shed so much human blood as this old rifle.” — W.W.H. Davis, Bucks County Historical Society    If you ever have a yearning to follow obscure tracks into dense thickets where you might get turned around and lost for days (or weeks, or years) at a time, you could do worse than … [Read more...] about Firearms Of The Frontier Partisans — The Edward Marshall Rifle

Working The Trapline — Zulu Game Of Thrones

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There is a game of thrones afoot in South Africa, as the newly inaugurated Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini faces challenges to his succession. The new King hunted and killed a lion in a ceremonial rite of his ascension — but it was probably the easiest aspect of his journey. From Unherd.com: The 48-year-old King is already in trouble. He is … [Read more...] about Working The Trapline — Zulu Game Of Thrones

‘A Pointed Old Hat’

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I hied off down a sidetrail Saturday evening — one populated by hunters and fur traders, Civil War soldiers, Mexican partisans, a Norse god, a wizard and a spirit of forest, field and stream. It was a delightful journey. It started, oddly enough, on Facebook. One of the frontier-related pages I follow — Just Frontier Trash, 1750-1790 — kicked up … [Read more...] about ‘A Pointed Old Hat’