Rogers' Rangers
Tute's History
James Tute was born in Hardwick, Massachusetts in December of 1738. His first military service was in the 1756 campaign as a private in Catlin's Provincial Company. He then served as a private in Richard Rogers' Company until it was disbanded in 1757 and subsequently re-enlisted in Rogers' Own Company where he rose to the rank of sergeant.
Due to his gallantry at the Battle of Rogers' Rock in March of 1758, he was commissioned as a first lieutenant of Shepherd's Company in April of 1758. James achieved the rank of captain in July of 1759 upon Shepherd's retirement and James Tute's Company of Rogers' Rangers was created.
On September 12, 1759, James Tute and eleven men were captured while carrying dispatches from Amherst to Gage. He was exchanged in November of 1759 only to be recaptured in March of 1760. He was exchanged a second time in June of 1760 in time to serve with Roger's Own company in Haviland's advance on Montreal. In November of 1760, he was discharged from the corps at Albany.
Due to their friendship, Robert Rogers called on James to lead an expedition to search for the Northwest Passage in 1766. Robert's' orders directed him to proceed from Fort Michilimackinac to La Baye (Green Bay, WI) and then west, passing by the falls of St. Antonies (Minneapolis, MN). After a long and arduous journey, James Tute returned without discovering the Northwest Passage. Shortly thereafter, Robert Rogers was arrested on charges of treason which ended any further efforts to find the Passage.
James Tute moved to the western plains as a trader where he died in the smallpox epidemic of 1781- 1782.
Tute's Company is an association
of individuals in the Wisconsin area who have joined together to
preserve and re-enact the period of the French & Indian War
(1754-1763). Because of our common interests, we are also members
of the Forces of Montcalm & Wolfe in order to participate
with other Rogers' Rangers units as well as British French,
Indian and civilian re-enactors. 
The French & Indian War period is unique to the Great Lakes and Fox Valley area as La Baye (Green Bay, WI) was already established as a French outpost. Several individuals and Indian tribes are mentioned in historical records as participants in the conflict.
The members of Tute's Company
are encouraged and supported in developing an historical
character with mannerisms and speech patterns in addition to
possessing the weapons, tools, Accoutrements and dress that are
consistent with the period. 
Family members are encouraged
to join us and participate as civilians of the era.
The dress of the company will
consist of a dark forest green wescott, regimental coat or
hunting shirt/frock and appropriate head covering (bonnet).
Breeches or loincloth and leggings with moccasins or shoes and a
simple shirt will complete the dress. Our arms will consist of a
"Brown Bess" musket (or appropriate period firelock)
with cartridge box and frog which will usually contain a tomahawk
and bayonet/dirk. Other equipment may include a powder horn, 
shooting bag, haversack, sheath knife
and other period items.
Members meet periodically to share information and socialize.
RECRUITS
If you are a potential recruit, or would simply like to learn more about "James Tute's Company of Rogers' Rangers", please contact rick@foxrivertraders.com
Tute's Company Schedule of Events
Links to other reenactment groups.