THE REVOLUTIONARY SHORE – September 4, 1775 

Pictured: Major Robert Smith Rogers

By Kellee Blake

On this very day, 250 years ago . . .

The bedraggled traveler was simply grateful his feet had landed on the solid shores of Virginia and his aching stomach was filled with the fruits of Accomack’s summer goodness. Shore households most certainly buzzed about the unexpected visitor once his celebrated name was known—Major Robert Rogers—even then legendary as one of the most famous military fighters born in the American colonies. 

The Massachusetts born Robert Rogers was considered a hero of the French and Indian War. He early demonstrated an aptitude for daring and, by 1763, Rogers and his “Rogers Rangers” were renowned for their fighting style and skills, especially in irregular warfare.  Rogers “Rules of Ranging” is still invoked in the training of US Army Rangers. 

Raising and supplying his unique unit, though, dearly cost Rogers and he ventured to England in 1769 seeking reimbursements and pay for his service.  Bureaucracy and politics slowed all and his penchant for drink exacerbated his mounting debts.  He spent many months in debtors’ prison and was only released when he at last secured an officer’s half-pay pension. By then, his native New England was embroiled in genuine warfare.  Rogers was eager to return to his family and present himself to Congress in Philadelphia.  Many wondered about his loyalties, though. Would he serve his colonial homeland, the British army which now paid him, neither, or both? 

Rogers slipped away from Gravesend, England, in June 1775 on a vessel bound for Baltimore.  It was a rough passage and the weather especially foul as they approached the Virginia Coast at the end of August.  They were well off course and, by now, the crew and fifty-eight passengers were starved for provisions.  Robert Rogers was put ashore somewhere in “Accomack” with a small contingent seeking victuals and supplies.  If anyone could get what they needed, it was Rogers.  Presumably they were successful, but nasty weather prevented their return to the main vessel.  Rogers spent some time on the Shore before making his way to Norfolk and it is easy to imagine many social invitations were proffered. Unfortunately, any account of his Accomack stay remains frustratingly elusive. 

General George Washington did not trust Rogers.  He knew the ranger from wartime service and, like others, Washington sensed that Rogers was “shopping himself out” rather than motivated by any ideology.  Roger’s Revolutionary War career was complicated, unpredictable, and seemingly overwhelmed by his penchant for drinking. He did accept a British Army commission as Lt. Colonel of the Queen’s American Rangers, but his disappointing leadership led to his removal in 1778.  Rogers returned to England where he died in debt and with little acknowledgement in 1795.  His exact gravesite has been lost to time. 

But on this day, all possibilities were before him. Major Robert Rogers could celebrate his adventurous foray in Accomack and step into second chances.  His new American journey began in a hopeful moment on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. 

Join WESR on the 4^th of each month to learn more about Virginia and the Shore’s role in the War for Independence.  Welcome to the Revolutionary Shore!