audiobook Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge by Thomas Fleming in History

Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. The battles behind the scenes.By Stone DogThomas Fleming's "Washington's Secret War" is an excellent work of history that looks behind the scenes; beyond the battles; the starvation of Valley Forge"; the stories we've all been told.The author gives us an eyes-wide-open view of the founding fathers at odds with each other and; most importantly; at odds with their commander-in-chief. Most Americans aren't aware of the crisis in confidence the Congress had in regard to George Washington'd leadership of the Continental Army and; indeed; the strategy of meeting the British army in formal battles. There were even some proposing a war of partisan bands and guerrillas.I think Fleming does a good job of showing how George Washington's leadership was being questioned after the previous year's defeats and the loss of Philadelphia - the continental Capital. Add to this the victory at Saratoga which elevated (wrongly) the status of Gen. Horatio Gates; and the infant nation faced a real dilemma.There was a cabal trying to replace Washington with Gates and this had more support than most Americans now realize. There were officers within the army; most notably Thomas Conway and Thomas Mifflin; who disliked Washington and saw him as weak and ineffectual. There were members of Congress who would have joined with these men to replace Washington.In the meantime; Congress was almost completely incapable of helping Washington keep his army together. Congress had printed so much currency that it became worthless and difficulties arose in trying to purchase enough supplies to feed; cloth and keep the army in shoes; gunpowder and rum (more important that you'd expect!). The stories of men naked; shoeless and freezing are mostly true; at least initially. The fact of the matter is that the Continental Army was disintegrating due to desertions; disease and enlistments ending for large numbers of troops.What was amazing is that the author reveals how Washington became a masterful politician in order to keep the army together; prevent his authority from being stripped and preventing the Congress from diverting from his strategy of meeting the British in face-to-face engagements and maintaining the initiative.This is a good book that shows the battles behind the curtain that could have easily derailed the revolution. A great read and great history. Five stars.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. One of the Best books on this WarBy SamOne of the most fascinating books that I have read on the American Revolutionary War. Very well written; reading almost like a novel. This is not a book about battles that General Washington fought but one about political intrigue. I believe even people who enjoy reading about the American Revolutionary War battles but not into politics of that era will still find this book outstanding and very interesting. Book focuses on General Washington's relationship with the Continental Congress and the men who were determined to take Washington's place as leader of the army such as Generals Charles Lee and Gates. Also the politicians who wanted to remove General Washington and the ones who fought to keep him as General; especially Henry Laurens and Washington's aide John Laurens. Absolutely fascinating reading about a different kind of battle that Washington fought to keep being general and to provide supplies and food for his men. This book shows the brilliance of General Washington; as a politician and an army leader. Book shows how he was betrayed by men he called close friends. I couldn't put the book down! One note: some historians believe that there was no conspiracy to replace General Washington. This book tries to prove different in regards to letters and actions by various officers and politicians. Regardless of your belief in this conspiracy; you will find the facts presented fascinating and well worth the time to read as it covers all who tried to replace this General.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An engaging; well-balanced; and very intimate account...By Kindle CustomerAs soon as I began reading; I felt myself immersed within a world that must have; in its time; felt like it was unravelling. From the intrigue in the Congress and amongst the generals to the very vivid and unrelentingly painful account of Valley Forge; Fleming masterfully painted a harrowing picture of the innumerable obstacles General Washington faced. Artfully presenting the historical account in a sympathetic; powerful; sometimes humorous manner; the author succeeds in showing us a world; a people; and a beleaguered yet determined general through very human eyes. It was a very enjoyable read.