Poisoned by Lies and Hypocrisy: America's First Attempt to Bring Liberty to Canada,1775-1776

by Gavin K. Watt

In 1775, Governor Guy Carleton returned to Canada after a four-year absence in England to discover that political unrest in the American colonies was at a fever pitch. Soon after, open warfare erupted in Massachusetts, quickly followed by a rebel invasion.

Historian Gavin K. Watt explores the first two campaigns of the American Revolution through their impact on Canada and describes how a motley group of militia, American loyalists, and British regulars managed to defend Quebec and repel the invaders.

Genres: History

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Gavin K. Watt is the author of eleven books about loyalist military history, including Burning of the Valleys and Rebellion in the Mohawk Valley. He lives in King City, Ontario.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book written about the early phases of the Revolutionary War from the Anglo-Canadian perspective. It is easy reading for someone with a passing interest in the War. It is also good source material for anyone doing research and interested in the Canadian players in events. Many books intended for the American audience portray Governor Carleton of Quebec as an incompetent. Watt does not go so far, but does wonder at times why he passed on opportunities to attack and destroy American forces. Describing American fighters as rebels is accurate, but certainly not seen in most American books. Likewise most leaders of the Green Mountain Boys are described in terms such as "notorious outlaw", whereas "traitors" such as John Peters are viewed as heroes. The battle at The Cedars, barely discussed in most American histories is prominent in this book. It is a different perspective. I enjoyed it.

The book is not without issues. It is short and vague in some areas. Dates of events are not always clear leaving the reader a bit muddled at times. Nonetheless, if you want the whole pictures of the early revolutionary war in Canada this is a great book to read.