The summer of 1777 proves to be a difficult and discouraging time for General George Washington and his poorly equipped and undisciplined Continental Army. Campaigning along the eastern seaboard, they are pitted against General William Howe and his superbly trained and better provisioned British forces. The inspired Americans make a good showing at the battles of Brandywine Creek and Germantown, but in the end they absorb two disappointing defeats. ... Horatio Gates and Thomas Conway set the stage for the darkest hour of the entire Revolution--the heartbreaking story of Valley Forge.
Suffering from disease, hunkered down in crude huts and struggling to survive the bitter winter weather, the downtrodden American soldiers lack everything needed to sustain life, especially food. In a letter addressed to Congress, General Washington decries the government's failure to provide relief, describing his men as occupying 'a cold, bleak hill,' sleeping 'under frost and snow without clothes or blankets.'
MY REVIEW: I have visited Valley Forge several times and I am always shocked at the difficulties suffered there. Some of my ancestors fought in this war. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the strategy and miracles that happened despite the incredible suffering at Valley Forge. Ron Carter has done an astounding job of retelling the battles and circumstances surrounding George Washington in his struggle to occupy ‘a cold, bleak hill.” Don’t miss the techniques of Baron Friederich von Steuben in teaching the soldiers to fight. Do you know the history of Marquis de Lafayayette and his remarkable leadership at 19 years of age?
Comments