I am re-reading Washington's Crossing, by David hackett Fischer, which is a kind of sequel to Paul Revere's Ride. It briefly covers the sige of Boston and the disasters of 1776 in New York, then covers the Trenton campaign in great detail.
If you liked Paul Rever'es Ride, you will love this one. A couple of things really struck me.
1. Fischer pulls no punches about the brutality of the British occupation of New Jersey. This made the 1775 occupation of Boston look benign. The organized abuse of the women of New Jersey by British officers in particular was sickening. This may be a non-tactical reason why our patriot ancestors targeted officers.
2. A lot of professional military historians diss the miliitia. Fischer credits the miliitia for creating enough tension to give Washington victory at Trenton. The militia had achieved enough control of the countryside that the Hession commnader Rall had to use 100 men troops to safely get out messages from Trenton. The Hessions were worn out from sniping, night sorties, and general harrassment by everyday citizens in organized groups.
You will also learn about some more patriot heroes like John Mott. enjoy.
Thanks for the review. I picked this up a couple of weeks ago, but haven't started it, yet.
The role of the Colonial Militias is definitely understated in history.
Check the Green Mountain Boys, or even Francis Marion. Without people like them, the Continental Army would have been hard pressed to have won.
Wife wanted to go to the book store to buy a gift for little grandson. I went willingly with Washington's Crossing in mind. I came home with Liberty and Freedom,
a visual history of America's founding ideals, by David Hackett Fischer.
Only thirty pages in so far, but much easyer ploughing than Liberal Fascism by Jonha Goldberg.