At the height of the American Revolution in 1779; Massachusetts launched the Penobscot Expedition; a massive military and naval undertaking designed to force the British from the strategically important coast of Maine. What should have been an easy victory for the larger American force quickly descended into a quagmire of arguing; disobedience; and failed strategy. In the end; not only did the British retain their stronghold; but the entire flotilla of American vessels was lost in what became the worst American naval disaster prior to Pearl Harbor.In the inevitable finger-pointing that followed the debacle; the already-famous Lieutenant Colonel Paul Revere; commissioned as the expedition’s artillery commander; was shockingly charged by fellow officers with neglect of duty; disobeying orders; and cowardice. Though he was not formally condemned by the court of inquiry; rumors still swirled around Boston concerning his role in the disaster; and so the fiery Revere spent the next several years of his life actively pursuing a court-martial; in an effort to resuscitate the one thing he valued above all—his reputation.The single event defining Revere to this day is his ride from Charlestown to Lexington on the night of April 18; 1775; made famous by Longfellow’s poem of 1860. Greenburg’s is the first book to give a full account of Revere’s conduct before; during; and after the disastrous Penobscot Expedition; and of his questionable reputation at the time; which only Longfellow’s poem eighty years later could rehabilitate. Thanks to extensive research and a riveting narrative that brings the battles and courtroom drama to life; The Court-Martial of Paul Revere strips away the myths that surround the Sons of Liberty and reveals the humanity beneath. It is a must-read for anyone who yearns to understand the early days of our country.
#187951 in Books 2011-11-05 2011-11-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .60 x 5.90l; .95 #File Name: 1611210704244 pages
Review
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Bringing the cavalry action at Gettysburg to lifeBy Tom BetzThis book examines and explains the details of the cavalry actions on the flanks of the fighting at Gettysburg in July 1863. The author's passion for the gallant action of the horsemen brings these actions to life. While the cavalry actions did not totally change the outcome of the fighting on either July 2 or 3; they had an impact. I was impressed to find out that three Medal of Honor awards were given to Union troopers for their actions on July 3. The book does a good job of raising the awareness of the part the Union and Confederate cavalry played on two days of this greatest battle of the Civil War 150 years ago. We visited Gettysburg for the first time this past fall; and agree with the author there is no attention given to the cavalry actions except for one photo and short paragraph in the museum of the visitor's center. I hope to go back to the battlefield again and use the driving tour included in the book to find and explore this mostly ignored piece of history.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Fine Support to the Numerous Infantry descriptions.By DevereauxThis is an excellent supporting book for the battle of Gettysburg. Generally when one reads about this battle; the focus; indeed the whole narrative; is about the infantry and artillery battle. Those certainly were important. But just as Buford's cavalry actions in the beginning of Day 1 were essential to understanding the way the battle unfolded; so this book adds a dimension to the overall understanding of what all went on in those 3 fateful days.In addition to fine reporting of facts concerning the cavalry actions; and of Farnsworth's gallant but useless charge; it brings out the question of what might have happened had Meade had serious control of his forces and used them as perhaps Grant might have. One can only suspect that the Civil War would have ended there and then.Every bit worth the read.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. This is the oneBy Sharon mccardleElon Farnsworth is our local hero; and I am one of the more informed local historians regarding the General. The book is well researched and accurate. We followed the coordinates and walked his charge on a recent trip to Gettysburg. If you want the definitive work on the charge; this is the one. Be sure to get the 2011 edition; as it has been updated since the NPS has begun restoring the battlefield to its original vegetation. This is my first Kindle book; and I appreciated carrying the Kindle as we walked the trail and made various stops in and out of the vehicle. A book would have incurred damage.
