11. The patriarch of American Ranger troops served time in debtors’ prison
Robert Rogers formed his famous Rogers’ Rangers during the French and Indian War. Originally one company of accomplished woodsmen, their efficiency caused their ranks to expand several times during the war. Rogers outfitted his men in green buckskins, incurring considerable expense, for which he received the promise of reimbursement. Rogers paid his men out of his own pocket, at a time when many American militia units saw little money coming their way. He borrowed heavily to meet his obligations to his men, certain his invoices would be honored by the colonial government or the British Army after the war. His confidence was misplaced.
After the war, Rogers did not receive compensation for his services, and he found himself imprisoned for debt in New York. He escaped (with the help of former Rangers) and after further years of service to the crown on the frontier traveled to London, where he attempted to collect his due. In 1769 he was again sent to debtor’s prison, that time at the behest of British Lt. Colonel Thomas Gage, a political enemy. In turn, Rogers sued Gage for false imprisonment, arguing that he was responsible for paying Rogers for his services during Pontiac’s Rebellion. The American Ranger finally obtained his release, and a promise of a British Major’s half pay for his services, directly from Gage.