Loyal American Rangers

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Loyal American Rangers

LOYAL AMERICAN RANGERS. Raised in New York by Major William Odell in late 1780 from among Continental army prisoners and deserters, this Provincial regiment was sent to Jamaica in January 1781. It was to be sent to help defend Pensacola, but that town surrendered to the Spanish on 9 May before the regiment arrived. A detachment was later sent to raid Black River, Honduras, in August 1782. After Odell's death on 6 January 1783, the regiment was merged with the duke of Cumberland's regiment.

SEE ALSO Honduras; Odell, William.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Katcher, Philip R. N. Encyclopedia of British, Provincial, and German Army Units, 1775–1783. Harrisburg, Pa.: Stackpole Books, 1973.

                              revised by Harold E. Selesky

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