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Washington's Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution
By the award-winning author of Dog Company : a historic account of a Revolutionary War unit’s “tactical acumen and human drama . . . combat writing at its best” ( The Wall Street Journal ).
In August 1776, little over a month after the Continental Congress had formally declared independence from Britain, the revolution was on the verge of a disastrous end. General George Washington found his troops outmanned and outmaneuvered at the Battle of Brooklyn. But thanks to a series of desperate charges by a single heroic regiment, famously known as the “Immortal 400,” Washington was able to evacuate his men and the nascent Continental Army lived to fight another day.
In Washington’s Immortals , award-winning military historian Patrick K. O’Donnell brings to life the forgotten story of these remarkable men. Comprised of rich merchants, tradesmen, and free blacks, they fought not just in Brooklyn, but in key battles including Trenton, Princeton, Camden, Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse, and Yorktown, where their heroism changed the course of the war.
Drawing on extensive original sources, from letters to diaries to pension applications, O’Donnell pieces together the stories of these brave men—their friendships, loves, defeats, and triumphs. He explores their tactics, their struggles with hostile loyalists and shortages of clothing and food, their development into an elite unit, and their dogged opponents, including British General Lord Cornwallis.
Through the prism of this one unit, O’Donnell tells the larger story of the Revolutionary War.
In August 1776, little over a month after the Continental Congress had formally declared independence from Britain, the revolution was on the verge of a disastrous end. General George Washington found his troops outmanned and outmaneuvered at the Battle of Brooklyn. But thanks to a series of desperate charges by a single heroic regiment, famously known as the “Immortal 400,” Washington was able to evacuate his men and the nascent Continental Army lived to fight another day.
In Washington’s Immortals , award-winning military historian Patrick K. O’Donnell brings to life the forgotten story of these remarkable men. Comprised of rich merchants, tradesmen, and free blacks, they fought not just in Brooklyn, but in key battles including Trenton, Princeton, Camden, Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse, and Yorktown, where their heroism changed the course of the war.
Drawing on extensive original sources, from letters to diaries to pension applications, O’Donnell pieces together the stories of these brave men—their friendships, loves, defeats, and triumphs. He explores their tactics, their struggles with hostile loyalists and shortages of clothing and food, their development into an elite unit, and their dogged opponents, including British General Lord Cornwallis.
Through the prism of this one unit, O’Donnell tells the larger story of the Revolutionary War.
582 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2016
900 people are currently reading
3061 people want to read
About the author
Patrick K. O'Donnell
14 books270 followersO’Donnell is a bestselling author, critically acclaimed military historian and an expert on elite units. The author of twelve books, including: Washington’s Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution, The Unknowns, First SEALs, Give Me Tomorrow, The Brenner Assignment, We Were One, Beyond Valor, and Dog Company, he has also served as a combat historian in a Marine rifle platoon during the Battle of Fallujah and speaks often on espionage, special operations, and counterinsurgency. He has provided historical consulting for DreamWorks’ award-winning miniseries Band of Brothers and for scores of documentaries produced by the BBC, the History Channel, and Discovery and is the recipient of several national awards. He also regularly contributes to several national publications and shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
April 4, 2018
Review Update March 2018:
Throughout this year I have been slowly re-reading a book that I first reviewed in 2016. I have taken my time and reading just a single chapter in between my other reading obligations as I wanted to re-assess my initial thoughts on this book. On this second reading I have come away with a deeper appreciation of the author's work in putting together an excellent combat narrative that is driven by the soldiers experiences during the American Revolution. The book is Patrick O'Donnell's "Washington's Immortals" and it is a five star effort. Anyone who enjoys a combat narrative in their military history will enjoy this book.
I have just finished reading Patrick O'Donnell's latest book; Washington's Immortals, which tells the story of an American unit that fought during the Revolutionary War and was known as the “Immortal 400”. This unit, made up of stalwart patriots from Maryland, fought throughout the war in campaigns, battles and skirmishes from the north to the south.
This book is basically a combat narrative of these men and the battles they fought from New York in 1776 to the final days of the war at Yorktown. The author has used the men's diaries, letters and pension applications made after the war to help tell the story of this unit, its men and its actions whilst fighting for their new nation.
It is not an in-depth study of the American Revolution but a interesting and easy to read account of the many famous battles fought during this conflict by this band of men who came to be considered by many as an elite unit that helped hold together the infant American army during this terrible conflict.
Some of the first-hand accounts were tinged with humour, like this incident that took place during the British naval bombardment of the American positions at Manhattan:
"The Americans had a series of trenches and breastworks anchored on the high hill at Iclenburg, later known as Murray Hill. 'All of a sudden there came such a peal of thunder from the British shipping that I thought my head would go off with the sound', recalled Private Thomas Plumb Martin. 'I made a frog's leap for the ditch and lay as still as I possibly could, and began to consider which part of my carcass would go first'."
And this great exchange between two American soldiers during the British bombardment of Fort Mifflin:
"According to eyewitnesses, Smith remained staunch throughout the cannonades. At one point he saw an aide ducking and asked, 'What are you dodging for, sir? The King of Prussia had 30 aides de camp killed in one day!'
The aide replied, 'Yes sir, but Colonel Smith hasn't got so many to lose!' "
Other accounts highlighted the dedication of the American citizen soldier. This took place during the night march to attack Trenton:
"Many of our poor soldiers are quite barefoot and ill clad," wrote one of the officers on the scene. "Their route was easily traced, as there was a little snow on the ground, which was tinged here and there with blood from the feet of the men who wore broken shoes."
Or this during the 1780 march to the south:
"The majority within the Maryland and Delaware regiments traversed a breathtaking 4,656 miles - often barefoot - between the spring of 1780 and the spring of 1782. The state did not compensate them until 1783 - and then paid only if they were lucky enough to have survived and to have jumped through the right administrative and judicial hoops. Wages ceased for most men in August 1780. Officers advanced some of the men money, but after the war the men had to swear under oath and convince a Maryland judge that they were owed back pay."
Other accounts highlighted the terrible nature of war during this period:
" ... In this case, with the bone 'very much shattered', everyone knew the soldier's arm must be amputated if he were to have a faint chance of survival. With no doctor available, a blacksmith hacked off the limb 'with a shoemaker's knife and a carpenter's saw. He stopped the blood with the fungus of the oak, without taking up a blood vessel'."
There are a number of maps throughout the narrative to assist the reader in following the various battles discussed in the book. There is also a lovely colour plate section with some excellent pictures the reader can browse through while reading the book.
Overall this is an excellent combat narrative that I found a delight to read and I am sure that anyone who has an interest in America's early military history or a love for this period will also enjoy this book.
Throughout this year I have been slowly re-reading a book that I first reviewed in 2016. I have taken my time and reading just a single chapter in between my other reading obligations as I wanted to re-assess my initial thoughts on this book. On this second reading I have come away with a deeper appreciation of the author's work in putting together an excellent combat narrative that is driven by the soldiers experiences during the American Revolution. The book is Patrick O'Donnell's "Washington's Immortals" and it is a five star effort. Anyone who enjoys a combat narrative in their military history will enjoy this book.
I have just finished reading Patrick O'Donnell's latest book; Washington's Immortals, which tells the story of an American unit that fought during the Revolutionary War and was known as the “Immortal 400”. This unit, made up of stalwart patriots from Maryland, fought throughout the war in campaigns, battles and skirmishes from the north to the south.
This book is basically a combat narrative of these men and the battles they fought from New York in 1776 to the final days of the war at Yorktown. The author has used the men's diaries, letters and pension applications made after the war to help tell the story of this unit, its men and its actions whilst fighting for their new nation.
It is not an in-depth study of the American Revolution but a interesting and easy to read account of the many famous battles fought during this conflict by this band of men who came to be considered by many as an elite unit that helped hold together the infant American army during this terrible conflict.
Some of the first-hand accounts were tinged with humour, like this incident that took place during the British naval bombardment of the American positions at Manhattan:
"The Americans had a series of trenches and breastworks anchored on the high hill at Iclenburg, later known as Murray Hill. 'All of a sudden there came such a peal of thunder from the British shipping that I thought my head would go off with the sound', recalled Private Thomas Plumb Martin. 'I made a frog's leap for the ditch and lay as still as I possibly could, and began to consider which part of my carcass would go first'."
And this great exchange between two American soldiers during the British bombardment of Fort Mifflin:
"According to eyewitnesses, Smith remained staunch throughout the cannonades. At one point he saw an aide ducking and asked, 'What are you dodging for, sir? The King of Prussia had 30 aides de camp killed in one day!'
The aide replied, 'Yes sir, but Colonel Smith hasn't got so many to lose!' "
Other accounts highlighted the dedication of the American citizen soldier. This took place during the night march to attack Trenton:
"Many of our poor soldiers are quite barefoot and ill clad," wrote one of the officers on the scene. "Their route was easily traced, as there was a little snow on the ground, which was tinged here and there with blood from the feet of the men who wore broken shoes."
Or this during the 1780 march to the south:
"The majority within the Maryland and Delaware regiments traversed a breathtaking 4,656 miles - often barefoot - between the spring of 1780 and the spring of 1782. The state did not compensate them until 1783 - and then paid only if they were lucky enough to have survived and to have jumped through the right administrative and judicial hoops. Wages ceased for most men in August 1780. Officers advanced some of the men money, but after the war the men had to swear under oath and convince a Maryland judge that they were owed back pay."
Other accounts highlighted the terrible nature of war during this period:
" ... In this case, with the bone 'very much shattered', everyone knew the soldier's arm must be amputated if he were to have a faint chance of survival. With no doctor available, a blacksmith hacked off the limb 'with a shoemaker's knife and a carpenter's saw. He stopped the blood with the fungus of the oak, without taking up a blood vessel'."
There are a number of maps throughout the narrative to assist the reader in following the various battles discussed in the book. There is also a lovely colour plate section with some excellent pictures the reader can browse through while reading the book.
Overall this is an excellent combat narrative that I found a delight to read and I am sure that anyone who has an interest in America's early military history or a love for this period will also enjoy this book.
September 16, 2024
Little is often disclosed or memorialized on the brave soldiers fighting under the guise of more popular generals and officers in the global war effort, but historian Patrick K. O’Donnell challenges this assumption by describing the efforts of a valiant grouping of Marylanders during the Revolutionary War. He explains from the opening pages that upon viewing a monument dedicated to these modern day “Band of Brothers”, he had more questions than answers and would go to great lengths in researching their pensions and accounts to bring their remarkable story back to life. This would be no easy task, and the opening chapters indeed question O’Donnell’s commitment as they are full of more filler content in discussing the discontent before the American Revolution—even going so far as Washington’s brief escapade as a surveyor and ambassador to the French in the Ohio Valley before the start of the French and Indian War.
That’s not to say some of this extra detail is unnecessary nor often repeated in other general histories of the war, where in fact the reader will find fascinating stats on the very precision of muskets and frontier firelocks—with their effectiveness in battle and rate of fire—as well as their frustrating tendency towards manufacturer defects and misfire. It’s also interesting to understand the different ranks and their respective pays pertaining to the Continental and British Armies, including their squadron sizes and typical recruitment methods. O’Donnell introduces a few of the famed Marylanders by focusing on their early days spent training and gaining vital combat experience in their respective militia regiments. This includes Mordecai Gist, nephew of Christopher Gist—famous explorer and surveyor who was mentor and friend to a young Washington—and William Smallwood, both of whom would be awarded commands of separate battalions in 1776 for their earlier prestige in battle.
O’Donnell’s writing is full of energy and excitement, holding the reader’s attention with ease while at the same time allowing for valuable comprehension of the different engagements that take place. Upon introducing the legendary Maryland Flying Camp battalion, he covers in detail their monumental courage and sacrifice with other squadrons in holding off a significantly larger force of Redcoats and Hessians during the Battle of Long Island, allowing for Washington’s Continentals to escape a narrow defeat which would have proven catastrophic for American morale. This feat would later be known as the stand of the “Immortal Maryland 400”, in memory of those whom perished—undoubtedly the inspiration behind the book’s title. According to O’Donnell, more than half of those serving under Smallwood at the time would be listed as casualties, notwithstanding the heavy losses taken by other regiments.
Again, under almost identical circumstances, Maryland Continentals being led by both Gist and Smallwood would serve bravely in a last stand effort to guard Washington’s fortunate and final retreat to the last man in the Landing at Kip’s Bay. Maryland soldiers under Gist, Smallwood, and Captain John Eager Howard’s Flying Camp, would prove vital in holding the line in the Battle of White Plains, another loss and one that would leave Smallwood with a serious wound—an interim mark of distinction that would earn him the rank of Brigadier General. O’Donnell is a master wordsmith when recounting each different engagement, especially capturing the vividness of the Battle of Trenton, where Marylanders under the command of Hugh Mercer pull off a much needed surprise victory over the Hessians. With the momentum gained from this, Washington inspires the men to rally in the Battle of Princeton and pull off yet another splendid win—a boost in morale causing men to re-enlist rather than head home in a defeatist attitude. Astonishingly enough and now becoming quite standard for their reputation, this would be repeated later in the Battle of Monmouth.
While Smallwood and Gist may be the most decorated veterans of the War hailing from Maryland, O’Donnell doesn’t let lesser known men go by the wayside—in which William Beatty, Samuel Smith, Nathaniel Ramsay, Jack Steward, and Otho Holland Williams all receive their due coverage. Theirs and others accounts and experiences in combat are actively monitored in various campaigns and destinations including Brandywine, Paoli, Valley Forge, Stony Point, Guilford Courthouse, and Eutaw Springs—with these and countless other battles being recounted in the same rich manner throughout. O’Donnell’s research also provides for the unfortunate darker circumstances of war that many Maryland regiments and individual soldiers experienced, in which he describes the harrowing threat of being held as a prisoner of war on one of the many notorious British prison ships offshore, as well as disease, desertion, and exposure to the elements:
During the winter of 1779–80, the Marylanders and the rest of the army returned to their former camps at Morristown, New Jersey. It was the worst winter the men endured. Even the saltwater inlets and harbors from North Carolina to Canada froze, and sleds, not boats, carried firewood across New York Harbor from Loyalists in New Jersey to British-occupied Manhattan. In the first week of January a heavy blizzard buried the Marylanders, who were living in tents or huts, under five feet of snow. Without proper clothing, shoes, and blankets, the men froze, many losing limbs or even their lives.
While there is no doubt of O’Donnell’s allegiance and respect to the numerous Maryland officers and companies that he chronicles, at times the reader may find he is far too partial to his subject in that he overstates their triumphs and effectiveness to the overall warfront when compared to other Continental regiments and leaders. This bias is evident during the Battle of Camden, where he suggests that Gates could have perhaps been victorious had he chosen to readjust his formations and place Gist’s seasoned 2nd Maryland Brigade across from trained British Regulars—a hypothetical that in the grand scheme of things probably would not have saved the outfoxed Gates from the many routs and blunders that would take place in the field that devastating day. Fortunately, O’Donnell counters this by staying true to the facts accounted for in acknowledging that along with Gates, Smallwood was also recorded as being seen fleeing the field ahead of his own troops in retreat.
O’Donnell’s recital of the Battle of Cowpens is arguably among the closest and accurate descriptions of the conflict when considering the countless works dedicated solely to this engagement, and he gives due credit to the tactical genius of Daniel Morgan, and the daring efforts of William Washington’s Light Dragoons and the Maryland Flying Camp. Chock full of well-researched and descriptive accounts of numerous battles—as well as a multitude of concise biographies on prominent Revolutionary War combatants—O’Donnell justifiably retraces the lives of the Maryland servicemen that he set out to uncover and shed new light on. The book is broken up into 8 distinct parts that cover the years 1774-1783, with useful battle maps, photo inserts, and extensive primary source material.
That’s not to say some of this extra detail is unnecessary nor often repeated in other general histories of the war, where in fact the reader will find fascinating stats on the very precision of muskets and frontier firelocks—with their effectiveness in battle and rate of fire—as well as their frustrating tendency towards manufacturer defects and misfire. It’s also interesting to understand the different ranks and their respective pays pertaining to the Continental and British Armies, including their squadron sizes and typical recruitment methods. O’Donnell introduces a few of the famed Marylanders by focusing on their early days spent training and gaining vital combat experience in their respective militia regiments. This includes Mordecai Gist, nephew of Christopher Gist—famous explorer and surveyor who was mentor and friend to a young Washington—and William Smallwood, both of whom would be awarded commands of separate battalions in 1776 for their earlier prestige in battle.
O’Donnell’s writing is full of energy and excitement, holding the reader’s attention with ease while at the same time allowing for valuable comprehension of the different engagements that take place. Upon introducing the legendary Maryland Flying Camp battalion, he covers in detail their monumental courage and sacrifice with other squadrons in holding off a significantly larger force of Redcoats and Hessians during the Battle of Long Island, allowing for Washington’s Continentals to escape a narrow defeat which would have proven catastrophic for American morale. This feat would later be known as the stand of the “Immortal Maryland 400”, in memory of those whom perished—undoubtedly the inspiration behind the book’s title. According to O’Donnell, more than half of those serving under Smallwood at the time would be listed as casualties, notwithstanding the heavy losses taken by other regiments.
Again, under almost identical circumstances, Maryland Continentals being led by both Gist and Smallwood would serve bravely in a last stand effort to guard Washington’s fortunate and final retreat to the last man in the Landing at Kip’s Bay. Maryland soldiers under Gist, Smallwood, and Captain John Eager Howard’s Flying Camp, would prove vital in holding the line in the Battle of White Plains, another loss and one that would leave Smallwood with a serious wound—an interim mark of distinction that would earn him the rank of Brigadier General. O’Donnell is a master wordsmith when recounting each different engagement, especially capturing the vividness of the Battle of Trenton, where Marylanders under the command of Hugh Mercer pull off a much needed surprise victory over the Hessians. With the momentum gained from this, Washington inspires the men to rally in the Battle of Princeton and pull off yet another splendid win—a boost in morale causing men to re-enlist rather than head home in a defeatist attitude. Astonishingly enough and now becoming quite standard for their reputation, this would be repeated later in the Battle of Monmouth.
While Smallwood and Gist may be the most decorated veterans of the War hailing from Maryland, O’Donnell doesn’t let lesser known men go by the wayside—in which William Beatty, Samuel Smith, Nathaniel Ramsay, Jack Steward, and Otho Holland Williams all receive their due coverage. Theirs and others accounts and experiences in combat are actively monitored in various campaigns and destinations including Brandywine, Paoli, Valley Forge, Stony Point, Guilford Courthouse, and Eutaw Springs—with these and countless other battles being recounted in the same rich manner throughout. O’Donnell’s research also provides for the unfortunate darker circumstances of war that many Maryland regiments and individual soldiers experienced, in which he describes the harrowing threat of being held as a prisoner of war on one of the many notorious British prison ships offshore, as well as disease, desertion, and exposure to the elements:
During the winter of 1779–80, the Marylanders and the rest of the army returned to their former camps at Morristown, New Jersey. It was the worst winter the men endured. Even the saltwater inlets and harbors from North Carolina to Canada froze, and sleds, not boats, carried firewood across New York Harbor from Loyalists in New Jersey to British-occupied Manhattan. In the first week of January a heavy blizzard buried the Marylanders, who were living in tents or huts, under five feet of snow. Without proper clothing, shoes, and blankets, the men froze, many losing limbs or even their lives.
While there is no doubt of O’Donnell’s allegiance and respect to the numerous Maryland officers and companies that he chronicles, at times the reader may find he is far too partial to his subject in that he overstates their triumphs and effectiveness to the overall warfront when compared to other Continental regiments and leaders. This bias is evident during the Battle of Camden, where he suggests that Gates could have perhaps been victorious had he chosen to readjust his formations and place Gist’s seasoned 2nd Maryland Brigade across from trained British Regulars—a hypothetical that in the grand scheme of things probably would not have saved the outfoxed Gates from the many routs and blunders that would take place in the field that devastating day. Fortunately, O’Donnell counters this by staying true to the facts accounted for in acknowledging that along with Gates, Smallwood was also recorded as being seen fleeing the field ahead of his own troops in retreat.
O’Donnell’s recital of the Battle of Cowpens is arguably among the closest and accurate descriptions of the conflict when considering the countless works dedicated solely to this engagement, and he gives due credit to the tactical genius of Daniel Morgan, and the daring efforts of William Washington’s Light Dragoons and the Maryland Flying Camp. Chock full of well-researched and descriptive accounts of numerous battles—as well as a multitude of concise biographies on prominent Revolutionary War combatants—O’Donnell justifiably retraces the lives of the Maryland servicemen that he set out to uncover and shed new light on. The book is broken up into 8 distinct parts that cover the years 1774-1783, with useful battle maps, photo inserts, and extensive primary source material.
Read
December 2, 2015Received from NetGalley
Centered around the Marylander Immortals, which was a militia group raised to be a trained fighting force, this is really a capsule history of the key battles from 1776 to 1782. O'Donnell takes the time to develop the backgrounds and personalities of the key men, adding others as time progresses. At the core are Mordecai Gist, John Eager Howard, William Smallwood, and Jack Steward among others, whose exploits we follow until either death or their later lives.
O'Donnell seems to maintain that the course of history might have gone another way without these men. I don't know that he proves it; his superlative evocation of the brutalities and absurdities and tragedies of war work against him. So much was dependent on personality and the weather, mis-laid communications, mis-heard orders, great strategy with bad tactics (and the other way around), and all the coincidences that multiply in the ferocious chaos that is battle. But he leaves no doubt that these men furnished the core of Washington's force, proving reliable, brave and cunning, while suffering a terrible cost.
Not overlooked was the constant, cruel, relentless effect on Patriots as the bankrupt nation failed to equip and supply its defenders. Furnished is a bleak accounting of the dreadful winter the Patriots spent starving and freezing in miserable, sickness-riddles camps while the British who'd taken Philadelphia whooped it up cheerfully--then were understandably reluctant to vacate.
Told in brisk, vivid, often dryly sardonic prose, O'Donnell's historical narrative displays impeccable scholarship, relying heavily on quotations from both sides in not only the usual military dispatches and later memoirs, but diaries and letters--occasionally quoting from letters from men who died before their delivery.
He sheds light in corners that many Revolutionary war chronicles finesse, like how much deserting to the other side went on--some opportunists switching sides back and forth several times, as needed. There was one officer so popular with his men that even when he deserted to the British then fell prisoner, or wounded, into American hands twice, his men received him right back again. Then there was the Loyalist who fought for a little, decided against war, returned home only to have his home burned to the ground by Tories, his disabled wife dragged out onto the lawn to watch. He became one of the grimmest and most determined Patriots after that. Personal passions and motivations, especially between people who speak the same language, and had lived in more or less amity not so long ago, made the conflict that much more bewildering at times, infuriating at others, fueled by feelings of anger and betrayal.
African-American soldiers are not overlooked, nor the sometimes confusing involvement of Native Americans (including battles against surviving Patriots, one of the tough officers who made it through the war dying on a hill in Kentucky, scalped) on both sides. Grim statistics about battle are never dry because O'Donnell shows the human cost.
I also appreciated his explication of evolving strategy and tactics--much of which, on the British side, was taken back and put in the field under Wellington in Portugal and Spain, to finally defeat Napoleon. If there is an area that O'Donnell skimps, it's the sea war, but then that really lies outside his stated intent. It's just that his clear picture of major troop movements made me wish he'd expanded the scope to include the maritime elements that influenced strategic decisions, especially by Cornwallis, who (as is pointed out) doesn't do well in memoirs afterward by certain British officers. But O'Donnell is on sure ground with the complexities of regimental statistics (and characteristics) on the British and Hessian side, and the constantly changing make-up of Washington's army.
Famous figures are all there--Washington, of course, seen through ordinary eyes, Benedict Arnold, the Howe brothers, and in the southern war, Francis Marion (the Swamp Fox) and Bloody Ban Tarleton.
To sum up: any reader desiring a boots-on-the-ground tour through the Revolutionary war should enjoy this.
Centered around the Marylander Immortals, which was a militia group raised to be a trained fighting force, this is really a capsule history of the key battles from 1776 to 1782. O'Donnell takes the time to develop the backgrounds and personalities of the key men, adding others as time progresses. At the core are Mordecai Gist, John Eager Howard, William Smallwood, and Jack Steward among others, whose exploits we follow until either death or their later lives.
O'Donnell seems to maintain that the course of history might have gone another way without these men. I don't know that he proves it; his superlative evocation of the brutalities and absurdities and tragedies of war work against him. So much was dependent on personality and the weather, mis-laid communications, mis-heard orders, great strategy with bad tactics (and the other way around), and all the coincidences that multiply in the ferocious chaos that is battle. But he leaves no doubt that these men furnished the core of Washington's force, proving reliable, brave and cunning, while suffering a terrible cost.
Not overlooked was the constant, cruel, relentless effect on Patriots as the bankrupt nation failed to equip and supply its defenders. Furnished is a bleak accounting of the dreadful winter the Patriots spent starving and freezing in miserable, sickness-riddles camps while the British who'd taken Philadelphia whooped it up cheerfully--then were understandably reluctant to vacate.
Told in brisk, vivid, often dryly sardonic prose, O'Donnell's historical narrative displays impeccable scholarship, relying heavily on quotations from both sides in not only the usual military dispatches and later memoirs, but diaries and letters--occasionally quoting from letters from men who died before their delivery.
He sheds light in corners that many Revolutionary war chronicles finesse, like how much deserting to the other side went on--some opportunists switching sides back and forth several times, as needed. There was one officer so popular with his men that even when he deserted to the British then fell prisoner, or wounded, into American hands twice, his men received him right back again. Then there was the Loyalist who fought for a little, decided against war, returned home only to have his home burned to the ground by Tories, his disabled wife dragged out onto the lawn to watch. He became one of the grimmest and most determined Patriots after that. Personal passions and motivations, especially between people who speak the same language, and had lived in more or less amity not so long ago, made the conflict that much more bewildering at times, infuriating at others, fueled by feelings of anger and betrayal.
African-American soldiers are not overlooked, nor the sometimes confusing involvement of Native Americans (including battles against surviving Patriots, one of the tough officers who made it through the war dying on a hill in Kentucky, scalped) on both sides. Grim statistics about battle are never dry because O'Donnell shows the human cost.
I also appreciated his explication of evolving strategy and tactics--much of which, on the British side, was taken back and put in the field under Wellington in Portugal and Spain, to finally defeat Napoleon. If there is an area that O'Donnell skimps, it's the sea war, but then that really lies outside his stated intent. It's just that his clear picture of major troop movements made me wish he'd expanded the scope to include the maritime elements that influenced strategic decisions, especially by Cornwallis, who (as is pointed out) doesn't do well in memoirs afterward by certain British officers. But O'Donnell is on sure ground with the complexities of regimental statistics (and characteristics) on the British and Hessian side, and the constantly changing make-up of Washington's army.
Famous figures are all there--Washington, of course, seen through ordinary eyes, Benedict Arnold, the Howe brothers, and in the southern war, Francis Marion (the Swamp Fox) and Bloody Ban Tarleton.
To sum up: any reader desiring a boots-on-the-ground tour through the Revolutionary war should enjoy this.
October 10, 2016
I am not a "war book" reader. When authors/teachers/historians begin sharing details about battle tactics, flanks and inverse V formations, my eyes tend to glaze over. However, this excellent account of one of Washington's elite regiments from the Revolutionary War kept me completely engaged. Just when I began to tune out because of what I consider to be excessive tactic details, the author drew me back in with diary quotes from soldiers who were there and inserted humanity onto the battlefield. I've never before heard the stories of the Battle of Trenton or Washington Crossing the Delaware with his troops in a way that kept me so invested in the story. I actually told my husband he would have to wait because I had to get through the battle of Trenton first.
This well-documented story brought new levels of respect for those brave men and women who literally pledged their "lives, fortunes and sacred honor" to help birth this nation of ours. I constantly shook my head in amazement at the first-hand accounts of soldiers so inspired by Washington's encouragement that they were willing to ignore the fact that they hadn't been paid in months, hadn't eaten well in just as long, were, many of them barefoot and scarcely clad during a bitterly cold winter and walked without complaint while their feet left a trail of blood to battle, in order to make sure we had the ability to govern ourselves. A very different time...full of heros and heroines well worthy of a read. More like 4 1/2 stars because...it is still a war book, but rounded up because it kept even me interested.
This well-documented story brought new levels of respect for those brave men and women who literally pledged their "lives, fortunes and sacred honor" to help birth this nation of ours. I constantly shook my head in amazement at the first-hand accounts of soldiers so inspired by Washington's encouragement that they were willing to ignore the fact that they hadn't been paid in months, hadn't eaten well in just as long, were, many of them barefoot and scarcely clad during a bitterly cold winter and walked without complaint while their feet left a trail of blood to battle, in order to make sure we had the ability to govern ourselves. A very different time...full of heros and heroines well worthy of a read. More like 4 1/2 stars because...it is still a war book, but rounded up because it kept even me interested.
August 11, 2017
After one or two books on the American Revolution one gets a sense of most of the great battles and movements of the war. Because of the presence of Washington through the course of the war, most histories tend to concentrate on battles in which he was involved even when, later in the war, most of the action was taking place in the southern states and far away from Washington's direct control.
Rather than being a broad-strokes history Washington's Immortals focuses on volunteers from the Maryland Colony who happened to be involved in many of the major battles through the entire revolution. This adds some extra detail to battles in the southern states fought under the likes of Nathaniel Greene and Robert E. Lee's father "Light Horse Harry" Lee. These were the battles that put pressure on Cornwallis helping to push the British toward surrender. The northern battles rocked the British but the southern battles finally knocked the legs from under them.
Not that the Maryland troops missed the northern battles. The book opens with the story of the Battle of Long Island under Washington's command, and the death of nearly 250 volunteers. The location of their mass grave in Brooklyn is still a matter of speculation. They were also present at Valley Forge and crossing the Delaware to conquer the Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey.
O'Donnell does an excellent job of culling information from diaries, memoirs, pensioner claims, and memories recorded by children of many of the men (and some women) in these battles. The most interesting histories will often give focus to a single event or individual to help the reader track the information as a narrative rather than a jumble of dates and events. O'Donnell mostly succeeds here, though with so many different soldier stories I found myself perking up when there were names I recognized, such was Washington, Hamilton, Greene, Ethan Allen, and others.
O'Donnell does an excellent job of covering the whole experience of war. Going beyond battles he deals with the political infighting among commanders, black volunteers, camp followers, diseases, surgery, and the infamous British prison ships where many captured Americans died and were tossed into the sea. He also covers some of the issues on the "Loyalist" side, those Americans who saw patriotism as supporting England and the king. Having ancestors on both sides it's nice to see them all treated fairly.
Many of the early battles in the book are familiar territory, but with the added interest of new diary reports and the concentration of some individual campaigns. On the whole, an excellent book for those interested in early American history. It's an immersive and humane book offering some unique perspectives.
Rather than being a broad-strokes history Washington's Immortals focuses on volunteers from the Maryland Colony who happened to be involved in many of the major battles through the entire revolution. This adds some extra detail to battles in the southern states fought under the likes of Nathaniel Greene and Robert E. Lee's father "Light Horse Harry" Lee. These were the battles that put pressure on Cornwallis helping to push the British toward surrender. The northern battles rocked the British but the southern battles finally knocked the legs from under them.
Not that the Maryland troops missed the northern battles. The book opens with the story of the Battle of Long Island under Washington's command, and the death of nearly 250 volunteers. The location of their mass grave in Brooklyn is still a matter of speculation. They were also present at Valley Forge and crossing the Delaware to conquer the Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey.
O'Donnell does an excellent job of culling information from diaries, memoirs, pensioner claims, and memories recorded by children of many of the men (and some women) in these battles. The most interesting histories will often give focus to a single event or individual to help the reader track the information as a narrative rather than a jumble of dates and events. O'Donnell mostly succeeds here, though with so many different soldier stories I found myself perking up when there were names I recognized, such was Washington, Hamilton, Greene, Ethan Allen, and others.
O'Donnell does an excellent job of covering the whole experience of war. Going beyond battles he deals with the political infighting among commanders, black volunteers, camp followers, diseases, surgery, and the infamous British prison ships where many captured Americans died and were tossed into the sea. He also covers some of the issues on the "Loyalist" side, those Americans who saw patriotism as supporting England and the king. Having ancestors on both sides it's nice to see them all treated fairly.
Many of the early battles in the book are familiar territory, but with the added interest of new diary reports and the concentration of some individual campaigns. On the whole, an excellent book for those interested in early American history. It's an immersive and humane book offering some unique perspectives.
January 18, 2016
I have read scores of books on the American Revolution, but WASHINGTON'S IMMORTALS is one of a kind. Spanning the entire Revolutionary War, this original and breakthrough book is a band of brothers, boots on the ground, intimate look at the American Revolution, an elusive feat for other authors who have attempted to write about this topic in the past. In his inimitable style of crafting fact that reads like fiction, Patrick O'Donnell, in riveting and brilliant prose, brings to life the War's most dramatic and important battles. O'Donnell has meticulously researched material drawn from hundreds of previously unpublished sources, and he has captured hidden aspects of the Revolution. The author masterfully breathes life into the protagonists and even the forgotten players of the Revolution, such as Loyalists and traitors within the Maryland Regiment, and does so in an unbiased fashion. The Maryland Regiment, "men of honour, family, and fortune" are buried in a mass grave in Brooklyn, presumably under a street or automobile garage. This mystery must be uncovered, so that these courageous men can receive the proper recognition they so deserve.
This book will change your perception of the American Revolution. As I delved deeper into WASHINGTON'S IMMORTALS, I recognized the many lessons learned and the haunting parallels to America's modern conflicts. This masterpiece is a must-read.
This book will change your perception of the American Revolution. As I delved deeper into WASHINGTON'S IMMORTALS, I recognized the many lessons learned and the haunting parallels to America's modern conflicts. This masterpiece is a must-read.
March 15, 2021
An engaging look at Revolutionary War ground combat from a small-unit perspective that gets its narrative exactly backwards.
O'Donnell's "Washington's Immortals" bills itself as a "Band of Brothers" for the Revolutionary War in that it follows a single unit (focusing on a handful of individuals) throughout that unit's wartime experience. It's a lofty goal and O'Donnell largely succeeds in telling the story of the 1st Maryland Regiment and the "Maryland 400" whose defense against a numerically superior force during the Battle of Long Island (Aug 1776) helped Washington withdraw his forces to Manhattan to fight another day.
O'Donnell takes us through the early mustering of the Regiment and the myriad supply and equipment problems the Marylanders had throughout the War. We also get lots of gritty details about the various engagements the Marylanders fought in at the tactical and sometimes hand-to-hand level. O'Donnell's at his best there.
Where the book falters is in that it gets its narrative exactly backwards. The Battle of Long Island that gave rise to the legend of the Maryland 400 (a la the Spartans at Thermopylae) occurs at the beginning of the War such that the unit's most heroic/literary/memorable act occurs within the first quarter of the book. The book can ONLY go down from there, and it largely does, devolving into a somewhat run of the mill history of the War. While it's still an entertaining and informative look at small unit Revolutionary War combat, the reader's ability to connect with specific figures is hampered by the fact that most of the "glory" comes early whereas in works like Band of Brothers, we grow and experience increasing degrees of wartime suffering with them until the culminating moment. Here, O'Donnell shoots his shot too early and never quite recovers the narrative thrust that the title suggests.
O'Donnell's "Washington's Immortals" bills itself as a "Band of Brothers" for the Revolutionary War in that it follows a single unit (focusing on a handful of individuals) throughout that unit's wartime experience. It's a lofty goal and O'Donnell largely succeeds in telling the story of the 1st Maryland Regiment and the "Maryland 400" whose defense against a numerically superior force during the Battle of Long Island (Aug 1776) helped Washington withdraw his forces to Manhattan to fight another day.
O'Donnell takes us through the early mustering of the Regiment and the myriad supply and equipment problems the Marylanders had throughout the War. We also get lots of gritty details about the various engagements the Marylanders fought in at the tactical and sometimes hand-to-hand level. O'Donnell's at his best there.
Where the book falters is in that it gets its narrative exactly backwards. The Battle of Long Island that gave rise to the legend of the Maryland 400 (a la the Spartans at Thermopylae) occurs at the beginning of the War such that the unit's most heroic/literary/memorable act occurs within the first quarter of the book. The book can ONLY go down from there, and it largely does, devolving into a somewhat run of the mill history of the War. While it's still an entertaining and informative look at small unit Revolutionary War combat, the reader's ability to connect with specific figures is hampered by the fact that most of the "glory" comes early whereas in works like Band of Brothers, we grow and experience increasing degrees of wartime suffering with them until the culminating moment. Here, O'Donnell shoots his shot too early and never quite recovers the narrative thrust that the title suggests.
September 15, 2022
Solid book about a regiment of Maryland continental soldiers who fought in a large portion of the American revolutionary war. Through this group, the "Maryland 400", the author tells the story of the war, finishing with a "where are they now" of the major figures.
After covering for the retreat of the army in New York, George Washington said "Good God! What brave fellows I must this day lose." From that point forward, the reformed unit seems to have been the one Washington and other generals trusted most for critical jobs. These sorts of tough scrapes give the author a vehicle to tell the history.
Many of these fellows ended up in the Society of Cincinnatus, commemorating their selfless service to save the Republic. Like the author, I hope that archaeologists can soon find their New York mass grave and better honor the brave sacrifice of these citizen soldiers.
This book is heartily recommended.
After covering for the retreat of the army in New York, George Washington said "Good God! What brave fellows I must this day lose." From that point forward, the reformed unit seems to have been the one Washington and other generals trusted most for critical jobs. These sorts of tough scrapes give the author a vehicle to tell the history.
Many of these fellows ended up in the Society of Cincinnatus, commemorating their selfless service to save the Republic. Like the author, I hope that archaeologists can soon find their New York mass grave and better honor the brave sacrifice of these citizen soldiers.
This book is heartily recommended.
February 12, 2016
Pat O'Donnell has contributed much to 20th century military history scholarship, having written extensively on mid-century conflicts and especially World War II. With Washington's Immortals, O'Donnell establishes himself as a pure military historian who can explore and present the personal and professional experiences of soldiers who have fought in any period.
Washington's Immortals offers meticulous and original research into an elite regiment that formed in Maryland, under the leadership of Mordecai Gist in the early days of the Revolution, and fought its way through to American independence. Compiled largely from personal diaries, correspondence and pension applications of the men who fought -- on both sides of the conflict -- O'Donnell (as with all of his works) makes the experiences of the men about whom he writes both very personal and very immediate. He has created a virtual oral history from the voices of soldiers long since dead. Although gone, they are not forgotten and the reader really does hear their stories through their own voices.
Students of the American Revolution will largely know what happened during the conflict, but most will never have discovered the contribution that these Marylanders made to the cause of American independence, the sacrifice they made at the Battle of Brooklyn, the strategic advantages that their sacrifice gave to Washington in fighting the larger cause, or what typical combatants experienced while all of these things were happening. Readers of Washington's Immortals will discover all that and more.
This is a must-read work that belongs in the library of every student of American history or military history. Indeed, readers who seek a good story will appreciate O'Donnell's effort even if they have never read a history book.
Washington's Immortals offers meticulous and original research into an elite regiment that formed in Maryland, under the leadership of Mordecai Gist in the early days of the Revolution, and fought its way through to American independence. Compiled largely from personal diaries, correspondence and pension applications of the men who fought -- on both sides of the conflict -- O'Donnell (as with all of his works) makes the experiences of the men about whom he writes both very personal and very immediate. He has created a virtual oral history from the voices of soldiers long since dead. Although gone, they are not forgotten and the reader really does hear their stories through their own voices.
Students of the American Revolution will largely know what happened during the conflict, but most will never have discovered the contribution that these Marylanders made to the cause of American independence, the sacrifice they made at the Battle of Brooklyn, the strategic advantages that their sacrifice gave to Washington in fighting the larger cause, or what typical combatants experienced while all of these things were happening. Readers of Washington's Immortals will discover all that and more.
This is a must-read work that belongs in the library of every student of American history or military history. Indeed, readers who seek a good story will appreciate O'Donnell's effort even if they have never read a history book.
February 23, 2016
O'Donnell excels at presenting the big picture while at the same time personalizing the stories and experiences of the individuals who made that history possible. Most historians do one or the other well, but not both. O'Donnell does a great job telling what happened while making it personal with regards to how it happened to and how they experienced it. His talent makes the history real and brings it to life. One will be blown away by what these men endured, for so long, with victory never assured. The rare ability of O'Donnell to reach back through the centuries and connect the reader with these heroes in a meaningful way stems from O'Donnell's passion and diligent research. He knows that what he is telling you is important but he is never self important in his delivery. History is more than just facts. O'Donnell will take you as close as possible to walking in the shoes, or in many cases walking barefoot, with these often forgotten but immortal heroes. Res ipsa loquitur, with a helping hand from O'Donnell.
January 27, 2021
It had some good moments at shoulder level with the Revolutionary War soldier, describing his motivations and hardships in detail.
March 4, 2022
This book follows the elite warriors of 1st Maryland Regiment a mostly light infantry group of soldiers and their path from the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776 to the Siege of Yorktown of 1781 which pretty much concluded the war in favor of the United States. The book details their heroism, deaths, and suffering during the Revolutionary War.
A little hard to follow on audio due to the author abruptly changing topic constantly and the flow of the narrative was disjointed like multiple different stories compiled into one. However, I appreciate that the author does follow the battles in chronological order.
Well researched and rich with information as well as battle tactics and strategies employed by generals on both sides of the war. The author utilizes many journal entries gathered from officers and privates alike.
I get the sense that the author relies on evidences and raw reports from the participants themselves rather than falling into the trap of drawing from his own conclusions like many historians do. Definitely a book I'd like to read again in text format.
A little hard to follow on audio due to the author abruptly changing topic constantly and the flow of the narrative was disjointed like multiple different stories compiled into one. However, I appreciate that the author does follow the battles in chronological order.
Well researched and rich with information as well as battle tactics and strategies employed by generals on both sides of the war. The author utilizes many journal entries gathered from officers and privates alike.
I get the sense that the author relies on evidences and raw reports from the participants themselves rather than falling into the trap of drawing from his own conclusions like many historians do. Definitely a book I'd like to read again in text format.
March 1, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Best book on the revolutionary war that I've come across.
November 22, 2024
This was an excellent history of the 1st Maryland Regiment and a broader history of the Revolutionary War as whole. This book made me appreciate the incredible perseverance of the newly established Continental Army. Through starvation, poor pay, harsh weather, grueling conditions, and brutal combat, these men sacrified everything and beat incredible odds.
January 5, 2025
I deliberated whether to take a star away from this book - it ended up losing a star for me just because it was so thick with military details I felt the pacing to be a bit slow (and it took me the better part of a year to discipline myself to finish). However I believe students of military history and American Revolution geeks would find this a solid five-star read. This is the story of the Maryland 400, or "The Immortals," more than half of whom gave their lives at the Battle of Brooklyn during what may have been "an hour, more precious to American liberty than any other in its history." The book is actually the story of what happens after. Ironically I found the preface to be the most gripping part of the entire book. Nonetheless, this was well-researched and hugely detailed, and the author deserves much credit for bringing this forgotten regiment back into the light.
June 28, 2017
Interesting account of a specific core of the Colony's Revolutionary Army....the true America's Greatest Generation.
February 18, 2016
I anxiously awaited the release of this book having watched it being teased for quite some time. I have now had had the opportunity to read Washington’s Immortals twice and I have to say that it is an amazing and intimate portrayal of a story that I thought I knew very well. A lover of this time period and the military engagements that took place; I had only tapped the surface of the Maryland Regiment until I read this book. I have an affinity for Mr. O'Donnell's writing style and delivery and could not have been more enthralled than to read this book and the manner in which this story was told. The brilliant research reveals a soldier’s point of view I have never encountered in previous books and he brings the reader right alongside them during this pivotal point in history. As Mr. O'Donnell characteristically does in his books he puts the reader right onto the battlefield; alongside the soldiers as the fight is taking place. He has weaved together a story that shines a light on several key figures bringing them to life; again many who’s story had never been told. The tension, detail, and investment I had as I turned each page rendered me unable to put the book down.
The Historian, Researcher, Military Enthusiast, or that person who wants to read a gripping novel will find this book well worth a read. I would highly recommend Washington’s Immortals; you will not be disappointed! As well, I will echo the past few reviewers and note that this book would lend itself very well to a cinematic treatment.
The Historian, Researcher, Military Enthusiast, or that person who wants to read a gripping novel will find this book well worth a read. I would highly recommend Washington’s Immortals; you will not be disappointed! As well, I will echo the past few reviewers and note that this book would lend itself very well to a cinematic treatment.
February 22, 2019
Americans know - or used to know - the basic political truths of the American Revolution, and the declaration of unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness still is the most revolutionary political statement of modern history. Yet, the accounts of the battles of the Revolution still do not attract much attention, nor do the true stories of sacrifice by patriots in the conflict. Patrick O'Donnell starts his story with a near-forgotten marker in Brooklyn's Prospect Park honoring hundreds of Marylanders in the Battle of Brooklyn in August 1776 who saved Washington's army with a suicidal stand against elite British troops. He follows the story of the Maryland regiments and their sister Delaware regiment through the entire course of the war, north and south, culminating in their key role at Yorktown in 1781. As a handy companion in paperback to O'Donnell's superb book, I recommend A Battlefield Atlas of the American Revolution by Craig L. Symonds. I was most struck by two things I had not fully appreciated. First, the American patriots lost many battles, had some exceptionally unqualified generals, and yet after every disaster recovered, found new citizen-soldiers to man their armies, and ultimately by what appears to be sheer force of will in many cases outlasted the British. Second, British opinion was divided on the war from the beginning, with many in London's leadership favoring Colonial demands. A great read and a nice teaching moment for what our forefathers went through to gain independence.
July 15, 2024
“We must admire the heroic manhood of the colonies, which threw off these attachments in the cause of freedom and endured all kinds of pain and suffering rather than endure oppression.” p. 29
“Naked and starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery.”
Despite poverty, disease, hunger, and the odds stacked against them, the American army, a motley crew of determined individuals, fought on. They faced better-equipped, better-trained Tories, yet their courage, fortitude, and sacrifice never wavered. Their leaders, often battling illness and hunger, led with unwavering resolve.
Imagine soldiers walking for miles without shoes, barely clothed, with nothing to sleep on. They had no horses, and had to scavenge for food. Families were torn apart, with brothers pitted against each other. Young American boys gave their lives for freedom. This is the essence of America-resilience, determination, patriotic love for the country, and a deep-seated resentment towards the oppressors.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in unknown combat and soldiery history.
To the Overmountain Men,
we salute Kosciuszko, that Polish brilliance who carved a name in history books.
We salute George Washington, who had the instinct of a showman and dazzled our country.
Onward, these words were never more pertinent than even now, as we march forward into American freedom.
“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine Patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country but he, that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of men and women.” Thomas Paine
“Naked and starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery.”
Despite poverty, disease, hunger, and the odds stacked against them, the American army, a motley crew of determined individuals, fought on. They faced better-equipped, better-trained Tories, yet their courage, fortitude, and sacrifice never wavered. Their leaders, often battling illness and hunger, led with unwavering resolve.
Imagine soldiers walking for miles without shoes, barely clothed, with nothing to sleep on. They had no horses, and had to scavenge for food. Families were torn apart, with brothers pitted against each other. Young American boys gave their lives for freedom. This is the essence of America-resilience, determination, patriotic love for the country, and a deep-seated resentment towards the oppressors.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in unknown combat and soldiery history.
To the Overmountain Men,
we salute Kosciuszko, that Polish brilliance who carved a name in history books.
We salute George Washington, who had the instinct of a showman and dazzled our country.
Onward, these words were never more pertinent than even now, as we march forward into American freedom.
“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine Patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country but he, that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of men and women.” Thomas Paine
October 23, 2019
Drawn from numerous original sources, acclaimed military historian Patrick O’Donnell conveys the broader story of the Revolutionary War through the exploits of the Maryland ‘Immortal 400.’ Beginning in 1775 through to 1783, O’Donnell draws readers in to the drama of not just the famous Battle of Brooklyn, but numerous other battles: Trenton, Princeton, Camden, Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse and Yorktown. One learns quickly the ravages of war coupled with the savage discipline for treasonous deserters and betrayers of their respective causes. Turning the tide of the war for the Continental Army, this Maryland bunch of has been ignobly interred and remembered at a gravesite yet to be discovered despite their documented heroics. A great read!
September 26, 2021
I'm not typically one for military histories, but this book managed to hold my attention and offer plenty of nuggets of information of which I was previously unaware. This history follows the men of a Maryland unit throughout the American Revolutionary War, as they serve and experienced nearly all of the significant battles in that war. As such, this book can also be read as a kind of military history of the Revolutionary War and the author does an excellent job of bringing in other groups and historical figures as they intersect with the main story. A couple of things shared in this book, such as the story of the Stockbridge Mohicans, were unknown to me and completely fascinating. I appreciated the author's ability to create a concise, yet detailed account of the Revolutionary War and would recommend this book to anyone interested in the time period.
May 17, 2025
This was a good book, well written. It really placed you in the middle of the action, especially in the pages that opened each chapter. I never heard of this Maryland brigade that the book follows; they were basically a part of every big battle in the Revolution except Saratoga. Quite the regimental history. I love a book like this that shines a light on a very specific portion of what's a pretty familiar story, illuminating a previously unknown story. I also liked how the book gave a brief rundown of the small battles after Yorktown; battles that are seldom discussed but still cost lives on both sides.
July 28, 2018
Interesting tale of the Revolutionary Ware told thru the actions of Washington’s Immortals the Maryland regiment that contained some of the best and most trustworthy soldiers in the Continental Army. It tells the tales of most of the major engagements of the Revolution thru the eyes of these soldiers. Excellent read.
January 4, 2020
A very detailed, exhaustively researched book about the Marylanders regiment in the American Revolution. Unfortunately for me, I seem to have exhausted all the space in my brain for most American Revolution-related material, which makes my rating purely a case of "It's not you, book, it's totally me".
October 10, 2024
I love love love history and history books! This is an excellent history that in general discusses the Revolutionary War. However, the premise is extremely interesting. It discusses America's first war by following a group of Maryland soldiers through the war. It is an excellent piece of Revolutionary War history and adds a personal touch by connecting the reader to the intrepid Marylanders. In large part the book is a plea by the author for the United States or philanthropic Americans to determining the final resting place of approximately 400 Marylanders who earned the sobriquet "Immortals." Those men earned the title by making a historic stand against astounding odds during the Battle of Brooklyn. Had they not bravely made that ultimate sacrifice the war, and America's independence, may have been lost then and there. The author's plea is valid and only does he and his excellent book more credit. Let's find the remains of these heroes and afford them the respect they richly deserve.
September 7, 2021
This is an excellent narrative of some of the major battles and events of the Revolutionary War. It is not bogged down with minute details of every single battle or of every major character of the War. But it does give you insight about battles and characters at just the right time.
The book is centered around the Marylander Immorals, a militia group. To my surprise, they happened to be involved in many of the major battles of the Revolutionary War.
The author keeps you engaged throughout the story, even though you know the outcome.
The book is centered around the Marylander Immorals, a militia group. To my surprise, they happened to be involved in many of the major battles of the Revolutionary War.
The author keeps you engaged throughout the story, even though you know the outcome.
December 1, 2024
Quite informative. Audio not physical. Worth it.
did-not-finish
February 5, 2017I got through most of this, but I was bored and confused. I feel like I need a more general knowledge of the American Revolution to fully appreciate this book. I hope to come back to it someday.
February 29, 2020
The Maryland regiment led by Mordecai Gist and other Maryland heroes: John Eager Howard, Bob Kirkwood, Smallwood and their contributions to the Revolutionary War. Somewhat dry, but very informative.
December 25, 2017
This appears to have been very hastily edited and hurriedly published as if somebody missed a deadline or two. Dates are incorrect and commas are missing and quotation marks are everywhere.
The story was fine and exciting, Maryland troops and their trials and tribulations across the colonies at the onset of the nation they call home,
The story was fine and exciting, Maryland troops and their trials and tribulations across the colonies at the onset of the nation they call home,
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