John Treegate's Musket

Treegate #1

by Leonard Wibberley

1769. While many American colonists are angry at royal taxes, loyal merchant John Treegate sails to London and appeals to the government there. Alone, son Peter 11 is apprenticed to a maker of barrel staves, but his senior is vicious, leading to murder, shipwreck, amnesia, and adoption by a Scot, until the climax at the battle for American independence.

Genres: Historical Fiction, School, Young Adult

173 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Also wrote under his full name Leonard Patrick O'Connor Wibberley and under
Patrick O'Connor as well as pseudonyms Christopher Webb and Leonard Holton

Reviews

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave just finished this book, newly released from Bethlehem Books. He started it while selling books for Bethlehem at the homeschool conference and couldn't put it down till the book was done. He said that it was well written in the classic sense, there were cliffhangers at the end of the chapters which made it exciting to continue, and to his knowledge was historically accurate. He can't wait till the fall for the next of the Treegate Series to be re-released so we'll have to find an old one through inter-library loan.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers somewhat the same period as Johnny Tremain, but also ventures into other areas (South Carolina and a bit of London) and topics (free trade, the Jacobite rising, Indian relations). Through various characters we see both sides of the Patriot/Loyalist question. Still, a good deal of the book is about a young apprentice around the time of the Boston Massacre. Certain events in the two books overlap, but this one definitely does not simply duplicate the other.

In some ways, Wibberley makes his fictional characters more involved with the historical events (Peter Treegate is arguably responsible for the Massacre.). The story ends at the Battle of Bunker Hill with these words: "The end of the beginning." I look forward to more. There are some aspects that will probably offend some overly sensitive modern types - violence, even abuse - but these are depicted in nuanced and historically accurate ways that contribute to the telling of a deeper story.

While the Forbes is a truly great book, this is perhaps only very good. We don't get nearly as much historical detail. It also doesn't delve into issues of character as much. That said, this is only the first of a seven-book multigenerational series that is quite wide-ranging. So maybe judgment should be reserved.

I would say that this is suitable for a younger reader who isn't yet ready for Forbes. Wibberley is an excellent writer who constructs beautiful sentences. This would probably work well as a read-aloud.

[James A Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well balanced and intelligent novel of American independence.

This is a great adventure story for young people who may not know, or may want to learn some of the thoughts and feelings of Americans coming from both sides of the isle on the decision to break free from England. As with all events in history it helps if we can see it through the eyes of someone who lived during the time. Leonard Wibberley gives us that feeling. All events and decisions are based upon our upbringing, education, Surroundings and friends. As well as those we are related to and who surround us. The author has tried to show the real struggle the American colonies had. A good read for one and all.

[Anna Mock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I love that is was written in the 1960s. The language is at a much higher level than books written today. The story is so engaging. The characters are interesting. And the author incorporates history of this time period that many of us - at least those my age - never learned. I always recommend them to parents looking for good historical fiction of the Revolutionary War era for their kids.

[P.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gives an interesting look at pre-revolution life in the colonies and how people had to decide which side to support - if any.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's the first in a series, so it was a start to a larger story. Will continue on in the series.

[P.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gives an interesting look at pre-revolution life in the colonies and how people had to decide which side to support - if any.

[Curtiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining look at the beginnings of the American Revolution from the perspective of a young boy growing up as an apprentice in Boston.

[Julia Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the beginning but after page 73 it just got really boring!!!

[Lisa Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of adventure which kept me and the boys (12, 9) captivated--but the ending felt like the author got tired of writing and left a couple of chapters off. Needed resolution!