Ben Comee

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27920

Title

Ben Comee

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Ben Comee recounts his life from his birth in Lexington in 1737 through the French and Indian Wars. This historical tale follows his journey from a frontier boyhood to becoming a Ranger under Robert Rogers, witnessing the Battle of Ticonderoga, the retreat, and the harsh realities of war. The narrative balances action with personal growth, culminating in his return home, marriage, and establishment as a successful blacksmith, offering a vivid glimpse into 18th-century colonial life.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the volatile backdrop of the mid-18th century frontier, *Ben Comee: A Tale of Rogers's Rangers* by M. J. Canavan chronicles the life of Ben Comee, a native of Lexington born in 1737. The narrative captures the constant dread of Indian attacks and the escalating tensions between French forces and British colonists that defined daily existence on the edge of civilization. Ben's childhood is spent alongside friends like the knowledgeable Davy Fiske and the sturdy Edmund Munroe, navigating local trades and school life before the call to arms arrives. When war erupts, Ben joins Rogers's Rangers, an elite unit renowned for its daring scouting and combat skills. The story details the grueling march to the West and the disastrous assault on Fort Ticonderoga under General Abercrombie's command. Despite the bravery of the Rangers, the assault fails due to poor strategy and overwhelming enemy defenses, leading to a chaotic retreat. During this harrowing escape down the Ammonusuc River, the Rangers face starvation, heavy losses, and the horrors of the wilderness. Amidst this chaos, Ben rescues a woman named Ruth, sparking a romance that endures even as he recovers from a fever at Fort No. 4. After the war concludes, Ben returns to civilization, opens a successful blacksmith shop, and marries Ruth. The novel concludes with Ben reflecting on the fates of his comrades, including the heroic John Stark and the controversial Robert Rogers, whose unscrupulous nature ultimately led to his downfall. Through Ben's eyes, Canavan explores themes of bravery, superstition, and resilience, offering a vivid portrait of the American frontier during the French and Indian War and the early stages of the Revolution. The story serves as both a historical record and a tribute to the men who fought for survival and liberty in a land of danger and opportunity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg27920.epub

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Categories

• History
• Fiction