I am known for tackling offbeat but interesting subjects that present a research challenge. All of my books deal with some aspect of the American Revolution and my unique subjects include the story of the American Turtle submarine; the 1775 Arnold Expedition; the wartime exploits of Aaron Burr and George Washington's Revolutionary War aides-de-camp. My latest book titled "George Washington's Revenge", is another example of my exploring an interesting but little-known aspect of our War for Independence. It is the first detailed account of the significant military action that took place in New Jersey during the first six months of 1777. The events described in my new book include Washington's occupation of New Jersey's strategic Watchung Mountains; the 18,000 man British offensive into the state in early June 1777 and the day-long June 28th Battle of Short Hills. "George Washington's Revenge" explains how the campaigning in New Jersey during the first half of 1777 contributed to the defeat of British General John Burgoyne's army in upstate New York later that year.
The significence of "George Washington's Revenge" is highlighted by the fact that the Library of Congress published a two-volume catalog in 1984 listing the books and other printed material in their collection dealing with the American Revolution. Titled "Revolutionary America", the two volumes are organized in 14,810 entries concerning various aspects of the war. However, there is nothing listed in the library's reference work about the American occupation of the Watchung Mountains, the big British offensive into central New Jersey in early June,1777 or the Battle of Short Hills. "George Washington's Revenge" is a detailed narrative of this missing chapter in the literature of the American Revolution.
The offbeat subjects of my books reflect my literary independence. An example is my book "Benedict Arnold's Army." It is a narrative of the 1775 Arnold Expedition. The foray was a little known campaign launched during the opening months of the American Revolution to capture the walled city of Quebec from the British. The expedition, commanded by Benedict Arnold, is one of the most audicious military events in American history. The Lewis & Clark Expedition is a walk in a National Park in comparison. The Arnold Expedition interested me from childhood and I made four trips to Maine and Quebec to follow Arnold's route.
Another of my unique books is titled "Colonel Hamilton and Colonel Burr". It focuses on the Revolutionary War exploits of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Colonel Burr's wartime service was particularly difficult to research. I believe that my book is the first detailed account of his impressive contribution to winning American independence. I also wrote this book to dispel the idea that Hamilton was George Washington's wartime chief of staff or important advisor.
Turning to another of my earlier books, the wrap-around cover illustration from "Benedict Arnold in the Company of Heroes" is in my enclosed photo gallery. I commissioned this illustration from artist Dahl Taylor. The composition of the illustration is based on my research. For example, note that the bayonets are attached to the racked muskets. This detail is from the wartime portrait of Colonel Walter Stewart by Charles Willson Peale. To explain, bayonets at the time were not mass produced and each one was made to fit a specific gun.
I hope you will consider reading my books. They are written to appeal to both serious students of the American Revolution and people who enjoy reading a good story.
