BOOK REVIEW: THE CROSSING

The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution by Jim Murphy, Scholastic Press, New York, 2010.

This book not only covers the crossing of the Delaware, and the Battle of Trenton it gives a brief summary of the military career of George Washington, and why he was the commander of the U.S. forces, as well as a history of the Revolutionary War up to that point.  This includes the failures in New York, and then the wintering at Valley Forge.  A victory was badly needed, and it was obtained by stealth at Trenton.  Although the stirring painting with Washington standing is probably unrealistic, it does catch the mood at the time.  It also includes an African American rower.
        Washington would later recross the river, establish himself on higher ground and wait for Cornwallis to advance with the British.  Washington only had 3300 men as a third of his men had left service when they time commitment was up.  However sharpshooters were able to slow the advance of Cornwallis and his much larger force while Washington and his men dug themselves in.  swollen rivers and fighting from behind entrenched positions the American forces were able to hold the British at bay.
    Then during the night the Americans snuck away to attack Princeton, the British base.  This resulted in some very intense fighting, and if nothing more a great moral victory for the Americans.  The Americans were able to leave the scene of battle.  After this the British only maintained token forces in New Jersey.  The moral booster for the American side lead to greater recruiting, and shortly there were 17,000 men in Washington's command. 
This book is very enjoyable.  It is written at a youth level but is still very good.

Was Daniel Boone a Traitor? from Unsolved Mysteries

Unsolved Mysteries of American History by Paul Aron, Barnes and Nobler Books, New York,1997.

This refers to an incident surrounding Boonesborough, Kentucky.  This was a fort founded by Daniel Boone.  However at the height of the Revolutionary War, Daniel Boone surrendered the fort to Native Americans.  It first happened he was taken prisoner.  He then negotiated a sort of peace if Boone turned over the men looking for salt who were with him.  He did so, and in captivity was adopted by a Chief Blackfish of the Shawnee.   Then with the British and the Shawnee he arranged for turning over Fort Boonesborough.  This he did.  If you were to look at this you would think Boone was a traitor; however he had his own explanation.  A peace party met outside the fort.  The Shawnee laid siege.  However this did not last long and they gave up.  He contended his actions were for the benefit of the people.  The Shawnee outnumbered them and they would have been killed without his intervention.   He had gained time for them to prepare their defense.  He was brought to trial for treason; but the jury found in favor of Daniel Boone.  What has become known since is that the wife of Daniel Boone was a Tory.  Daniel Boone for sure was torn between loyalties.  After the war there was no British influence, but Daniel Boone was no longer welcome in the town he founded. 

Book Review: America's Tea Parties: Not One But Four!

America’s Tea Parties: Not One But Four! Boston, Charleston, New York, Philadelphia, by Marissa Moss, ABRAMS, New York, 2016.

This is an interesting read, and explains the original tea parties better than anything I have read.  I was always under the mistaken impression there was just the tea party in Boston, and didn’t know about the others.  In fact the author points out there were numerous tea parties, some small and some larger.   Sevem tea boats were sent to America, with the added tax attached.  Americas made a commitment not to accept the tea, and not to pay the tax.  Boston was the first "tea party.”  To assure the tea wasn’t used or tax collected, it was dumped into the sea.  The protestors were careful not to damage other property, even replacing a padlock.  In some instances tax collectors were tar and feathers, using pine tar so no physical injury was afflicted.  The British responded by occupying Boston, and closing the port.  They intended to keep the port closed until the destroyed tea with the tax, was paid for.  The British also passed several oppressive laws in response.  The heavy-handed response, further emboldened the Americans.  In fact many stopped being British at this time and became Americans.  Also the colonies began acting in concert with a joint goal, not to accept any tea from England.  Before this, American enjoyed a cup of tea.  However many committed not to drink tea.  The beverage of choice was thereafter coffee.  The actions surrounded the tea parties would galvanize the Americans, and eventually lead to the Revolutionary War. 

Chapter Review: Jack Jouett, the Ride that Saved America, Glenn Beck

Miracles and Massacres: True and Untold Stories of the Making of America, Glenn Beck with Keven Balfe and Hannah Beck, Threshold Editions, Mercury Radio Arts, New York, 2013.

Silhouette of Jack Souett, only known likeness made while he was living.

In this book, Beck brings to light little known stories about American history.  The first is that of Jack Jouett, whose ride should be just as famous as that of Paul Revere.  However these heroics were more towards the end of the war, June of 17821.  Jouett discovered that Colonel Banastre Tarleton was on the move in Virginia, with the intent of capturing Thomas Jefferson and Monticello.  He had discovered this by taking the clothes of a British captive, and using them to visit a tavern frequented by the British.  He had heard the word in a conversation, and with that knowledge was on his ride, going over back roads, where branches cut his face.  He also traveled at night, in all effort to beat Tarleton and his men.  It wasn’t just Thomas Jefferson who needed to be saved.  There were other officers in the area, as well as important communiques that needed to be guarded.  Jouett arrived at Monticello early in the morning, and quickly explained the situation to Jefferson.  He was able to get away with important papers.  However his home was invaded and inhabited by the British for a time.  Others with Jefferson also fled.  Jouett then headed to his father’s inn.  General Edward Stevens was staying at the inn recovering from a wound.  The dressed the general in shabby clothes,  and Jouett wore a bright Continental uniform, shedding his British uniform which was now rags after the ride.  The general was able to mount a horse, and leave with several Continentals.  Jouett showed himself to the British, who began pursuing him.  He lead them on a wild ride through the countryside as the general made him escape.  Thus two rides, one that saved Thomas Jefferson, and the next save General Stevens. 

Monticello

Native American Biographies: Joseph and Mary Brant: Mohawk, Iroquois Confederacy

Mary and Joseph had close ties with the British during the revolutionary War.  Mary was Joseph's older sister.  Mary had married Sir William Johnson, British superintendent of Indian Affairs.  He took Joseph under his wing.  Consequently, Joseph fought for the British in both the french and Indian War as well as the Revolutionary War.  He was a leader, and influential in convincing most of the Mohawks to fight with the British.  His mentor died shortly before the war.  Molly was also influential and convinced many to fight with the British.
When the treaty ended the conflict, the Iroquois were left out.  John Brant was influential in rectifying this with the British.  The Iroquois were granted land in Canada, and it was this move that lead to many who fought against America in the Revolutionary War, relocating to Canada.  This of course included Joseph and Mary Brant.

Movie Review: ***^The Crossing

This is the crossing of the Delaware by the troops of George Washington on Christmas of 1776.  This movie is a made for t.v. movie and stares Jeff Daniels as General Washington.  I must admit I had not realized how desperate the plight of General Washington was at the time.  He had just barely escaped into Pennsylvania as he retreated form New York, and had put the Delaware River between he and the pursuing British, supported by Hessian mercenaries.  He had gone into winter quarters at Valley Forge, and everyone expected him to sit out the winter there.  However the British were just waiting for the river to freeze over so they could continue their pursuit.  At this time there were 20,000 British, compared with Washington's 2000, who were poorly armed, and lacked munitions and food.  It was a desperate time, and in short, the fate of the federal army depended on the outcome of this battle.

General Washington was able to keep his movements a secret from the Hessian forces at Trenton, and they did catch them by surprise Christmas morning.  The result was the elimination of a force of 1200, with 300 killed and 900 captured, with no casualties on the par of the federals.  It was truly a miracle, and the cannon and arms taken from the fort there, resupplied the federal forces, so they could live and fight another day.  Never would the federal forces be as depleted again.  Even though the was would continue for seven more years, this was a turning point that changed history.

I enjoyed this movie, but I love history, as well as love to watch Jeff Daniels act.  It was fun the play he had with his generals as well.