In the Hurricane's Eye: The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown

American Revolution #3

by Nathaniel Philbrick, Scott Brick (Narrator)

The thrilling story of the Revolutionary War finale from the New York Times bestselling author of In the Heart of the Sea and Valiant Ambition.

Here is the story of the remarkable year leading up to the siege of Yorktown. It sets Washington against his traitorous nemesis Benedict Arnold and places him in impossible situations and constant acrimonious negotiation with his French allies, along with his young protégé, the Marquis de Lafayette and his energetic general Nathanael Greene. In a narrative that moves from the ship-crowded waters off Newport, Rhode Island, to a wooded hillside near North Carolina's Guilford Courthouse, to the Dutch storehouses on the Caribbean island of St. Eustatius, Philbrick narrates the pivotal naval battle that brought the end of America's long, elusive path to independence. It was an improbable triumph made possible by Washington's brilliant strategy, leadership, and revolutionary use of sea power.

In the Hurricane's Eye opens in the fall of 1780. For five years, American and British forces had clashed along the edge of a vast continent and were now at a stalemate. The Royal Navy, with its fleet of powerful warships (just one of which mounted more cannons than possessed by the entire rebel army), could attack the rebels' seaside cities at will. The Rebels could just fall back inland and wait. Neither side could inflict the killing blow. As Washington knew better than anyone, only the French navy could break Britain's stranglehold on the eastern seaboard and thus ensure an American victory.

In the Battle of the Chesapeake (1781 - called the most important naval engagement in the history of the world), a French admiral foiled British attempts to rescue the army led by General Cornwallis. By making the subsequent victory at Yorktown a virtual inevitability, this naval battle--masterminded by Washington but waged without a single American ship--was largely responsible for the independence of the United States. A riveting and wide-ranging narrative, full of dramatic, unexpected turns, In the Hurricane's Eye reveals that the fate of the American Revolution depended, in the end, on Washington and the sea.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American Revolution, American History, War, Biography, American Revolutionary War

Audiobook

First published October 16, 2018

About the author

Philbrick was Brown’s first Intercollegiate All-American sailor in 1978; that year he won the Sunfish North Americans in Barrington, RI; today he and his wife Melissa sail their Beetle Cat Clio and their Tiffany Jane 34 Marie-J in the waters surrounding Nantucket Island.

After grad school, Philbrick worked for four years at Sailing World magazine; was a freelancer for a number of years, during which time he wrote/edited several sailing books, including Yaahting: A Parody (1984), for which he was the editor-in-chief; during this time he was also the primary caregiver for his two children. After moving to Nantucket in 1986, he became interested in the history of the island and wrote Away Off Shore: Nantucket Island and Its People. He was offered the opportunity to start the Egan Maritime Institute in 1995, and in 2000 he published In the Heart of the Sea, followed by Sea of Glory, in 2003, and Mayflower. He is presently at work on a book about the Battle of Little Big Horn.

Mayflower was a finalist for both the 2007 Pulitzer Prize in History and the Los Angeles Times Book Award and was winner of the Massachusetts Book Award for nonfiction. In the Heart of the Sea won the National Book Award for nonfiction; Revenge of the Whale won a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award; Sea of Glory won the Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt Naval History Prize and the Albion-Monroe Award from the National Maritime Historical Society. Philbrick has also received the Byrne Waterman Award from the Kendall Whaling Museum, the Samuel Eliot Morison Award for distinguished service from the USS Constitution Museum, the Nathaniel Bowditch Award from the American Merchant Marine Museum, the William Bradford Award from the Pilgrim Society, the Boston History Award from the Bostonian Society, and the New England Book Award from the New England Independent Booksellers Association.

from his website

Reviews

[Jeffrey Keeten · Rating 5 out of 5]

”The bitter truth was that by the summer of 1781 the American Revolution had failed. With thousands of able-bodied citizens refusing to serve, with the the thirteen states refusing to fund the meager army that did exist, and with the Continental Congress helpless to effect any constructive change, the very existence of the United States now rested with the soldiers and sailors of another nation.”


French Engraving of the Siege of Yorktown (1781).

Considering how few Americans actually participated in the American Revolution, I feel very fortunate to have three ancestors who played significant roles in the conflict. It is disappointing to discover the actual lackluster support the war had among the American population. Certainly, there are many who benefited from breaking the ties with Britain who never raised a finger or a coin in support of the cause. Nathaniel Philbrick drops his readers right in the middle of the final years of the war. The patriots have reached a do or die moment and without France’s support, the spark of war would have fizzled and burned out like a wet fuse.

General George Washington is exasperated beyond measure. Even his own family, to keep Mount Vernon from being burned, offers aid and comfort to the enemy. Congress refuses to pay his soldiers or feed and cloth them properly. Most Americans are refusing to serve or help in any capacity to earn their own freedoms. One thing that Washington and all his generals know is that they can’t afford to lose a big battle because any major loss of American lives will be catastrophic. They can’t count on more American men volunteering to replace them.

A great example of this pressure creating caution in the American leadership is the Battle of Guilford Court House in North Carolina, where General Nathanael Greene has an opportunity to crush Lord Charles Cornwallis. He outnumbers him two to one, but he settles for knocking the British around a bit and then fades away to fight another day. Right after the battle, over a ¼ of his soldiers leave to go back home. That is a constant struggle for American leaders during the war, the never really knowing how many men you will have available on any given day. These are not professional soldiers, but citizens who can melt back into the population at any time.

It doesn’t help that they aren’t being paid. It is hard to feed a family on a hope and a prayer.

The ineffectiveness, the in-fighting, and the bipartisan support for their own favorite generals by the Continental Congress contributes greatly to hampering the war effort, but also to the eventual betrayal by General Benedict Arnold. He has been passed over for promotion on numerous occasions. He has spent the greater part of his own personal fortune trying to supply his men and finds Congress time and again less than interested in reimbursing him.

I’ve read that Arnold often wished he had died at Saratoga. He would have died an American hero, and children, schools, and cities, would have been named after him. Historians, too, who had developed a sympathy for him, often wished the same thing.

”At one point, Arnold asked a recently captured militia officer what he thought the Americans would do if they caught him. ‘If my countrymen should catch you,’ the officer replied, ‘I believe they would first cut off that lame leg, which was wounded in the cause of freedom and virtue, and bury it with the honors of war, and afterwards hang the remainder of your body in gibbets.’”

When Washington sees the strategic opportunity presented by Cornwallis fortifying himself at Yorktown, he wonders how he will convince his soldiers to march several hundred miles south to fight this opportunistic battle on an empty stomach, in rags, and still with no money in their pockets. The French decide to give Washington the money to pay his troops. (The money actually comes from donations from Spanish residents in Cuba. Yeah, work that around in your head for a while.) As one soldier remarks, it was the only pay he ever receives the whole time he is “in uniform” for the cause.

The French are starting to feel more and more, for good reason, that this is their war. Washington can make suggestions, but he has no real authority with what the French army or navy decide to do. The French and British have been enemies for centuries, and the number of battles fought between these countries are probably greater than any other two countries in the history of civilization. The French have their own ideas about how to defeat the British, and one of them has to do with new tactics they have started using against the British Navy. Traditionally, the naval outcomes have been lopsided between French and British forces, but that is all about to change.

So Washington is moving south as fast as he can to try and keep Cornwallis bottle necked at Yorktown. He has no idea if the French Navy, commanded by Admiral De Grasse, will arrive in time to keep Cornwallis pinned on shore. ”But as Washington had come to learn, the realization that a long coveted goal was almost within reach was one of the most dangerous feelings in the world.”

At the battle that will effectively end the war and gain America independence there are about 11,000 American soldiers and about 8,000 French Regulars, but if you include all the French sailors on ships in the bay, the total of French participants in the Siege of Yorktown reaches 40,000. It isn’t so much an American victory as it is a French victory.


Map of the Siege of Yorktown.

So when you hear people mouthing off about how the French would be speaking German if the Americans had not liberated them during World War II, please do point out to them that our much admired War of Independence certainly wouldn’t have been achieved in 1781 (the war continued until 1783, but it was effectively over at Yorktown.) without the assistance of the French.

Once again Philbrick changes how I see history. While I had pieces of what he brings to light in this book, as always he brings it together in crystallized, brilliantly written prose that will give me much to think about for a long, long time. Every American should read this book. Our heads are so full of misinformation about our own history that it is important to actually, finally see our own history as it really happened. His other books that precede this book, Bunker Hill and Valiant Ambition, are also insightful, highly readable, and important additions to the canon of the American historical record.

If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
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[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philbrick shows how a fortuitous series of events led to the American victory at the battle of Yorktown and the independence of the United States. The war could have turned out very differently. In 1781 after five years of war, George Washington’s army was on its last legs, unpaid and unappreciated. The French had entered the war on the American side, but were ready to pull the plug at any time. Except for Washington’s steadfastness, commanding persona and astute leadership the war would have already been lost. Philbrick pays Washington his due, but emphasizes the role of sea power as the deciding factor. When in 1781 the British gave the allies a perfect opportunity, the French finally committed a significant force of troops and ships to the war and everything changed.

In 1780 both the British and French navies were focused on their colonies in the Caribbean which produced sugar, a lucrative trade for both. On October 3rd the Great Storm of 1780 struck the Caribbean. It was the deadliest Hurricane in history with an estimated 22,000 dead. It devastated the British, French and Spanish fleets in the area. In 1781 the French Caribbean fleet commander would be ordered to leave the Caribbean during hurricane season and commit his ships to the American war, as it would turn out, a momentous decision. Washington had long been pushing the French to use their ships to support his troops against the British. Washington fully appreciated what support from the sea could do. Then a series British initiatives and battles set up the battle of Yorktown.

In 1780 Lord Charles Cornwallis decided to leave the safety of Charleston and lead his troops inland to take on the rebels. He won an early victory at Camden South Carolina in August and moved on looking to destroy the rebel army. In October only a month after Washington learned of Benedict Arnold’s betrayal, he assigned Nathaniel Greene to lead the demoralized Continental Army in North Carolina. Cornwallis with a stronger force chased Greene and his troops through the state. Greene always a step ahead regularly used sniper and small scale fire to pick off British troops throughout the chase. Frustrated, Cornwallis even had his men burn their wagons and baggage in the effort to catch Greene. Greene then set a trap at Guilford Courthouse killing or wounding half of Cornwallis’ men. This defeat would lead to Cornwallis ending up in Yorktown. Cornwallis retreated to Wilmington North Carolina on the coast for resupply from Charleston.

In January 1781 now British General Benedict Arnold was sent to establish a base in Portsmouth Virginia. His presence alone enraged the revolutionaries. As a traitor he wasn’t even respected by his own British officers. Arnold immediately headed up the James River and devastated Richmond thanks to lackadaisical leadership by Virginia’s governor, Thomas Jefferson. Washington convinced the French to send ships and troops to attack Arnold, but they were met by British ships in March 1781 at the battle of Cape Henry. The French inflicted far more damage on the British than they incurred, yet the French returned to their base in Newport and let the British reinforce and resupply Arnold. Washington was beside himself at the lost opportunity.

Cornwallis decided his next campaign should be in Virginia where he would combine his army with British forces already there. He believed he could cut the supply lines from Virginia to the Carolinas. In April 1781 he marched his troops to Virginia. Greene returned to South Carolina where he took the outposts Cornwallis had left behind. Washington sent Lafayette with a small army to Virginia, but he had far fewer men than Cornwallis’ combined force which with reinforcements totaled 7,000 men. In May and June 1981 Cornwallis chased Lafayette’s small force and went about ravaging Virginia. His army pillaged, burned, raped and murdered. In July, Cornwallis’ Commander in Chief, Sir Henry Clinton, ordered Cornwallis to build a naval base on the Virginia peninsula between the York and James rivers. This fateful order would put British troops at risk of being trapped. Cornwallis located it at Yorktown on bluffs overlooking the York River.

To avoid the 1981 hurricane season in the Caribbean Admiral Comte de Grasse was ordered to leave the Caribbean and assist the American war effort. In August de Grasse with twenty eight ships of the line and 3,100 troops headed for the Chesapeake Bay. He notified Rochambeau, the French army commander in New York, and Washington. Washington began marching the 2,500 troops he could spare from New York to Virginia. Rochambeau also began marching his army of 5,200 along with Washington. In September de Grasse’s ships blocked the entrance to the Chesapeake keeping the British ships from resupplying or reinforcing Cornwallis. He unloaded his 3,100 troops to join with Lafayette’s army and await Washington and Rochambeau. Then the British fleet showed up on September 5th. The Battle of the Chesapeake was fought in the nearby ocean. The French proved victorious inflicting heavy damage on several British ships. De Grasse returned to the entrance of the Bay and the British fleet retreated back to New York. De Grasse was then reinforced with eight more ships of the line that had been stationed in New England but had been blocked by the larger British fleet until it left for the Chesapeake.

By the end of September the allies had 8,000 French soldiers, 8,000 American soldiers, 3,000 militia facing Yorktown. And they had control of the nearby seas. Yorktown was surrounded with no escape. The siege began. The allied artillery began its devastation of the British base. On October 17th, Cornwallis waved the white flag. The French not only supplied the sea power essential to block the British Navy at Yorktown and sent thousands of soldiers; they even paid U.S. soldiers marching to the battle. The French also had excellent artillery and were experts in siege warfare, in which the Americans lacked experience. The British realized their strategy had failed and the cost of the war made it not worth continuing. It would take two more years for the peace to be finalized, but the war was over.

Philbrick only spends a chapter on the actual battle of Yorktown. The book is primarily about the events that led to the final confrontation with a detailed focus on the battles at sea and the role of sea power. He shows how Cornwallis’ ended up in Yorktown, not as a master strategy, but as the result of chasing around weaker American armies and then settling in a vulnerable location, creating the perfect opportunity at the perfect time for the allies. Throughout the book, Philbrick profiles individuals, the admirals and generals, their mistakes and their strokes of genius. He highlights the continuous internal squabbling and disconnects that afflicted all sides and shows how these shaped events. Somehow it all worked as if by providence, to set up the American victory. All in all it makes one realize just how incredible it was that the United States won the war and its independence.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the Philbrick’s title, In the Hurricane’s Eye, Washington appears to be less of a genius than ‘lucky’ in the Victory at Yorktown. How so? Let me count the ways—

o Washington’s genius was unique in recognizing that victory would be achieved only by first challenging the overwhelming sea power of the British fleet. France and its navy entered the war on the side of the colonies in 1778, but didn’t show up in force until 1781.

o France (and England) valued the sugar plantations in the Caribbean much more than the colonies. France’s navy weathered three severe hurricanes there in 1780, so was much more amenable to head north during the hurricane season in 1781.

o Washington wanted the French navy to challenge the British navy in New York harbor—closer to where his army was. The French preferred Chesapeake Bay where Cornwallis was. This was fortunate: Cornwallis was an impetuous commander and his soldiers had committed some heinous acts of cruelty that solidified American resistance in the Carolinas. The British were much more entrenched in New York.

o Washington was able to move his army south to the Chesapeake Bay without General Clinton, located in New York, taking notice until it was much too late for him to stop Washington.

o And who knew that America is deeply indebted to Francisco Saavedra de Sangronis, who convinced the businessmen of Havana to loan the French fleet a half-million pesos. This allowed the French sailors (and Americans) to be paid. The Americans, in particular, suffered poor morale and were deserting in ever increasing numbers—especially when they had not been receiving any pay for long periods of time.

o There was also a shift in the wind during the Battle of the Chesapeake that greatly benefitted the French fleet. Divine intervention?

Philbrick claims that it was the French that rescued the Americans: “The bitter truth was that by the summer of 1781 the American Revolution had failed…The very existence of the United States now rested with the soldiers and sailors of another nation.” In addition to the invaluable help from the French navy, the French also supplied half of the regular troops at Yorktown.

Philbrick is a sailor himself, and his descriptions of naval maneuvers and strategy shows this intimate knowledge. Recommend.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What they had accomplished, he insisted, was ‘little short of a miracle.’ "

Nathaniel Philbrick ends his trilogy of books about the American Revolution with this text, and he does so in a nice manner. If you read the three books as a set (I did over a period of a few months) it is a solid read and an enjoyable experience. The three books as a unit are stronger than they are as individual set pieces.

IN THE HURRICANE’S EYE focuses a lot on the naval aspects of the final few years of the conflict. Philbrick makes it very plain that this aspect of the war was key in the results playing out as they did. There were many features of the war’s final years that I knew little or nothing about, and it was fun to learn about them and to see them receive attention in a book of popular history.

Quotes (most of these are from primary sources, not Philbrick):
• “…that there never was a people who had more reason to acknowledge a divine interposition in their affairs than those of the United States.” (Washington)
• “Let it suffice for me to add that I am acting on the great scale, that temporary evils must be endured where there is no remedy at hand.” (Washington)
• “…one of those rare individuals with the capacity to rise above the emotions of the moment and, given time, recognize what really mattered.” (said about Washington)
• “…the freedom of speech may be taken away and dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the slaughter.” (Washington)
• “The moderation and virtue of a single character has probably prevented this revolution from being closed as most others have been by a subversion of that liberty it was intended to establish.” (Jefferson)
• “We may find by our own unhappy experience that there is a natural and necessary progression, from the extreme of anarchy to the extreme of tyranny; and that arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused.” (Washington)
• “A great mind knows how to make personal sacrifices to secure an important general good.” (Washington)

IN THE HURRICANE’S EYE held my attention, and I learned quite a few things I was not aware of. In my view that is a good reading experience. And thinking back over this text, I realize that I put this book down even more in awe of George Washington, for many reasons. In this work, Mr. Philbrick makes it abundantly clear, we all should be.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Philbrick’s history on Yorktown and the conflicts leading up to it but it is to a large degree about George Washington. Despite the brevity of the book, we see a much more nuanced view of George Washington than in most histories. Philbrick avoids feeding us dry facts but delves into the personality of Washington.

The portrait of Washington presented here starts with a talented young man who is already an experienced navigator under his older brother’s tutelage and influence. George had all been assured of a promising career in the British Navy, that is until his mother pulled him off the boat preventing him from fulfilling his commission with the Royal Navy.

We don’t know if George was bitter as he quickly pivoted to a successful career as a surveyor and then his role in the French and Indian War. However, what is clear from this book is the importance George Washington placed on the Navy and that his influence with and reliance on the French led to the victory in Yorktown.

We see that the British, particularly Cornwallis and Clinton, did a poor job of synchronizing Naval campaigns with the interior land campaigns. This was the primary reason that the British lost the war. This deficiency coupled both with Washington’s dogged ability early on to escape lost battles with most of his army intact and a clear understanding of the role that the French Navy were to play in the end game all led to that improbable victory at Yorktown.

Beyond Yorktown there is also a nuanced section on Washington’s callousness towards slaves. This section covers his attempt to recover his slaves who had joined the Loyalists and were heading to Nova Scotia. Washington was apoplectic when he found out that they would not be returned. Upon his death some 18 years later he owned in excess of 100 slaves so it is unclear if his views on the lost slaves were purely due to economic greed or some other devil in his nature.

In the epilogue we learn of more insights. At the end of the war, George Washington decided to take a wilderness vacation with two of his generals into the Adirondacks, the Lake George region and to visit the sacred Battlefield of Saratoga, places he never got to visit during the war. It struck me how much he loved the wilderness and how at ease he was with camping, traveling by horseback and communing with nature. That he would choose to take this trip so soon after leading the Continental Army for eight years gives us a glimpse into his adventurous soul and just one more nuance of an extraordinary historical figure.

5 stars. Excellent book.

[Joy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Hurricane’s Eye focuses on the importance of the sea to the American revolutionary war. It opens with vivid descriptions of the hurricanes that took place in the Caribbean in 1780, leading the French navy to move its fleet north for the next year, thus enabling them to participate in two critical naval battles that paved the way for the defeat of Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781. This book highlights the French and Spanish contributions, which tend to be glossed over in many accounts of this period of American history. One of the primary take-aways from this book is the importance of the Battle of the Chesapeake, which was fought by the French against the British, to American independence. Philbrick examines the many moving parts that needed to come together for the Americans, which at many points seemed rather improbable. It is enlightening to hear about the efforts of Francisco Saavedra de Sangronis, a Spaniard, who convinced the businessmen in Cuba to raise and lend money to the French fleet, which proved critical to their participation in the Battle of the Chesapeake. We also learn about the contributions of French generals de Grasse and Bougainville at that important battle. This is the third of Philbrick’s three-book series on the American revolutionary war, but they can be read in any order or as a stand-alone. The first is Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution and the second is Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution.

This book is well-researched, well-written, and engrossing. The titular “hurricane’s eye” may imply there would be more weather-related discussion, but it could be seen as a symbol of the larger war that had stalled out for quite a while before coming to an action-packed conclusion. Philbrick skillfully inserts quotes from letters, nautical logs, journals, and memoirs to support his conclusions and illustrate the participants’ personalities. This method is very effective in bringing these historical people to life. For example, the author gives the reader a more intimate picture of Washington by describing his emotional state. At one point, he is described as jumping up and down waving his handkerchief when he learns that the French have sailed into Chesapeake Bay. At another, we find him being embraced by the French generals. While the subtitle implies the reader will learn of Washington’s “genius” it is more focused on highlighting his excellent leadership skills, such as being able to see the big picture, employing the diverse talents of individuals, and putting aside his personal desires for the benefit of the country. It is clear that Washington understood the importance of the French navy to an American victory. Philbrick also reveals the difficulties and frustrations caused by slow communications and differences of opinion.

This book is particularly effective in showing how America was dependent on help from other nations from the very beginning, a fact that remains just as true today. I listened to the audiobook read by Scott Brick, who does an excellent job with the various French, English, and Spanish names. It kept me entertained during an eight-hour driving trip. Recommended to anyone that wants to learn more about the last year of the American revolutionary war.

[Numidica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history of the end of the American Revolutionary War. Nathaniel Philbrick does his usual outstanding work, in this case telling the story of how the British defeat at Yorktown came together. I have also read Nelson's book, George Washington's Greatest Gamble, which is an excellent page-turner about Yorktown, but Philbrick is a real historian, and he points out many important factors that Nelson neglects.

First, like Nelson, Philbrick makes clear that Yorktown was decided by the naval Battle of the Chesapeake, not by the armies on land; the siege of Yorktown by the American and French Armies of course brought the battle to a close, but it was the French Navy's control of the entrance to Chesapeake Bay that made that siege possible.

Secondly, Philbrick points out how very unlikely the outcome at Yorktown was; so many pieces had to fall into place to get to the capitulation of Cornwallis, it is a minor miracle that it did happen. The victory required the following:

- British General Clinton's lethargy in not attacking Washington when he passed by New York in route to Yorktown, or supporting Cornwallis in any meaningful way.

- British Admiral Graves lack of aggressiveness, verging on incompetence, in the encounter with the French Fleet, which allowed Comte De Grasse to survive making a serious tactical error by separating the van (lead ships) from the rear in coming out of the Chesapeake to meet Graves. Indeed, leaving Chesapeake Bay at all was something which, frankly, there was no real need for De Grasse to have done, but De Grasse was by all accounts aggressive to a fault.

- The decision by De Grasse to bring every available ship of the line with him to Virginia, leaving Haiti largely unprotected. It was a dangerous, but calculated risk which meant that the French Fleet under De Grasse was slightly larger than the British one under Graves.

- The perfect timing of the arrival of De Grasse at the mouth of the Chesapeake, coinciding almost exactly with the arrival of the armies.

- The presence of Admiral de Bougainville as a commander serving under De Grasse. It was Bougainville's expert actions which saved the van of the French fleet on the first day, and it was likely de Bouganville who convinced De Grasse to slip away from the British at night and return to the Chesapeake, rather than continue a pointless battle.

- The energetic and completely unexpected intervention of the Spanish administrator in Havana, Francisco Saavedra, who raised enough money to finance De Grasse' expedition to Virginia and to pay Washington's soldiers, who were on the verge of deserting because of non-payment by the Continental Congress. Without Saavedra's funds, De Grasse could not have gone forward.

- And finally, Cornwallis' foolish decision to encamp on a peninsula between two rivers at Yorktown, providing Washington and Rochambeau the opportunity to seal off his escape route via land.

Third, Philbrick emphasizes how desperate the Americans were by 1781. If Yorktown had been an American defeat, or if Cornwallis had been able to take his army intact to New York or Charleston, it is quite possible, even likely that the American Revolution would have failed. Also, the defeat at Yorktown was, for the British people, very much like Tet was for Americans during Vietnam. After five years of war in America, the British had simply had enough and wanted out.

This book, like so many others, showcases the growth of Washington as a leader and his amazing capacity for work, combined with almost unbelievable self-control which was the key to his magnetic leadership. Also, as his deft actions in quashing the "Newburgh conspiracy" illustrate, he had become quite tactically skilled as a politician by the end of the war.

Philbrick spends time discussing the economic factors at play, and he deals with slavery in a straightforward way. The French, English, Dutch, and Spanish were fighting over Caribbean islands because they produced sugar, and sugar was the heroin of the 1700's. Slaves died at a truly astonishing rate working the fields in Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and other islands, and the Americans, including Washington, were insistent about recovering "lost property" confiscated by the British, i.e., slaves who were working for the British Army with a promise of freedom. In the end, Cornwallis reneged on his promises to the Blacks in his camp, and only British General Carleton upheld the promises made, by evacuating freed slaves to Canada from New York. Washington, at the end of his life finally saw the danger that slavery posed to the country, and freed his own slaves in his will, but this does not excuse his earlier actions.

Highly recommended.

[David Eppenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathaniel Philbrick writes really good histories and this book is no exception. While most of his books have to do in some measure with the sea and in particular our Atlantic coast he does stray from this locale on occasion. This book was not one of those occasions. While it might seem a stretch to make the sea the focus of Washington's victory at Yorktown that is what Philbrick has done and he has done it well. In this history Philbrick presents us with the last year of combat in our Revolution, 1781. He also deals with the nearly 2 year gap between Yorktown and the peace treaty of 1783 but only to discuss the status of the army and Washington during this period. However, the bulk of the story is about the events of 1781, what lead up to Yorktown, what happened at Yorktown, and then what happened afterward. While most of us know the story of Yorktown it takes a history like this that slices one event from the greater story to really inform us of the details and the full story of this one event. In fact this event was primarily about the French Navy, the sea that Philbrick is so fond of writing about. It seems that Washington had long known that without the French Navy there would be no victory for the Revolution. From the time the French entered the fight Washington was attempting to get them to allocate sufficient naval resources to secure the decisive victory. Unfortunately for Washington his vision of this final victory was wrong while that of the French was correct but it was still possible for the French to snatch defeat from the mouth of victory. But for an unplanned series of fortuitous decisions all the pieces aligned to bring about the sought after victory. Cornwallis was defeated and it is this event that most Americans assume was the end of the War. It wasn't. While no further combat occurred between the Americans and the British life in the 13 states was far from peaceful as this was a time of local terrorism between "patriots" and loyalists. It was also a time of unrest in the Continental Army as the army continued to be ignored and mistreated by the government they fought for. One of the most moving parts of the book describes the plight of the average soldier after the peace treaty is signed and they are no longer needed. After six years of fighting, their health compromised, clothed in rags, unpaid, and hungry they were just dismissed to go home any way they could. That the country didn't suffer an attack by these abused men is a testament to their dedication and loyalty to cause they fought for. A good book to discover the details of Yorktown.

[Barbara K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this! I anticipated that it would be well-written, having read Philbrick in the past (In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex). And when this book came up as a source in A Furious Sky: The Five-Hundred-Year History of America's Hurricanes, I realized I already owned an audio copy and decided it needed to be my next read.

The other thing that made this a must-read for me is that I’ve been to the Yorktown Battlefield a number of times; we now live only 1.5 hours away. So I was more or less familiar with the specifics of the battle, but I didn’t know that much about events in the year leading up to it.

Philbrick’s writing made learning about that history enjoyable. His characterizations of key players - British generals Cornwallis and Tarleton, British naval commanders Rodney, Hood and Graves, French general Rochambeau, French naval commanders D’Estaing and De Grasse, Lafayette, and of course Washington - added vivid touches to what could have been a boring recitation of facts.

All out recommendation to anyone interested in American Revolutionary history!

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Why I love it
by Siobhan Jones

Years before landing the best job in the world—a.k.a. reading books for a living, a.k.a. Editorial Director at BOTM ;)—I was a middle school social studies teacher. Researching lessons was the best part; from Ancient Egypt to the Atomic Age, I was a sponge for it all. So when this Revolutionary War book landed on my desk, I welcomed the chance to nerd out. If you can relate, then good news! This might just be the read for you.

Everyone knows that George Washington won the Revolutionary War. But in Hurricane, master storyteller Nathaniel Philbrick recounts the little-known tale of how he teamed up with France’s navy to end it for good. Centuries before sonar and cell phones, this was no small feat; wars were won and lost by coordinating troops that were hundreds of miles apart. Yet somehow, against all odds, Washington managed to do just that, and the rest is history. This book tells that fascinating story.

Now, listen up, class: If your eyes glazed over reading the above paragraph, you should definitely not choose this book. It’s military history, after all—not everyone’s cup of tea. That being said, it’s a remarkably character-driven story (picture curmudgeonly Washington verbally sparring with salty Lafayette and you’ll have a sense of the spirit that Philbrick conjures). If you’re seeking an informative and lively drama on the high seas, Hurricane will not disappoint.

Read more at: https://www.bookofthemonth.com/in-the...

[Jifu · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Note: I received an advanced electronic copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley)

For the overwhelming majority of us, the Battle of Yorktown is little more than a quick mention from our history textbooks as the final major battle of the American Revolution. And to say the least, we miss out on quite a bit of all that led up to the pivotal moment. This includes amazing military and logistical maneuvers, numerous characters who stepped up to the plate when necessary to single-handedly save the day, several instances of pure good luck, and all it taking place in a grand setting that encompassed nearly entire length of the Thirteen Colonies and the Caribbean. Most of us have no idea of the grand scope of everything that had to fall into place in order to set the stage for the Franco-American victory at Yorktown.

To say the least, master history writer Nathaniel Philbrick's new work "In the Hurricane's Eye" will be appreciated by many for its ability to fill in some heavy knowledge gaps and ability to help give a solid handle on all that encompassed the amazing path to the final battle of the American Revolution

....And of course, if those exact specifics aren't quite what you're looking for, don't worry. If you're looking for nothing more than an exciting yet also enjoyably informative American history read, Philbrick once again comes through in spades.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The defeated British army trudged out of the ruins of Yorktown to the slow beat of a drum, surrounded by the American militia on one side of the road and the French on the other. The British General and his army showed their disdain of the Americans, giving their attention to the French. How could a barely clothed army of ill-fed and unpaid country yahoos defeat their magnificence? Only the French were worthy enemies.

And yet somehow General George Washington had achieved the unthinkable. Yes, he needed the French navy to do it. He knew this battle would be fought on water. And even if the French generals often ignored Washington's directive and did what they wanted, they were pivotal.

It all started with hurricanes in the Caribbean. The French were forced to move their ships to safer latitudes. The rest is history. The history Philbrick covers In The Hurricane's Eye.

Maps show readers the battles that are the focus of this installment of Philbrick's history of the Revolutionary War. There is no focus on one big personality, like Benedict Arnold was in Philbrick's previous volume Valiant Ambition. This is an ensemble cast of characters--British, French, and American.

But some things stand out. Washington for his ability to reign in his passions to keep a cool head. A favorite story is how Washington deceived the British by building ovens to bake the fresh bread the French army found a necessity on a route to New York City while the army headed south.

Readers are reminded of the plight of the common American militiaman, who after six years at war are released without recompense, worn out, to an uncertain future. 200,000 men had served. The escaped slaves who served the British with hopes of freedom were left without protection, starving and diseased, preyed upon by Southerners rounding up their property.

At war's end, America consisted of individual states unwilling to work together. They would not agree on taxes to pay for the war, and now they all vied for their own concerns. Anarchy threatened.

This narrative takes readers on a journey into an understanding of our past that will challenge the simplistic vision of America's beginnings encountered in school textbooks. Was victory at Yorktown all because of hurricanes? Or Washington's superior leadership? Was it because the French funded the war that Americans refused to support financially? Or the missteps of British generals?

Near the end of the book, Washington is quoted from a letter written to the French Admiral de Grasse: "A great mind knows how to make personal sacrifices to secure an important general good." I was appalled by the war crimes and suffering described in the book, but I was also inspired by Washington's ability to always chose what was right for his country. If only our leaders today would channel the Founding Father's vision of personal sacrifice and self-control, to do what was right for the many and the country.

I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

[Craig Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It is much more interesting to a historian to read about a specific event in a larger period such as the Battle of Yorktown during the American Revolution. The detailed behaviors and relationships of the main characters are developed to a greater extent than would be in a general volume. I have always had an admiration for the loser at Yorktown, Lord Cornwallis. I still believe he was a good commander but Philbrick shows his poor decision making to be critical to the eventual loss of the war by the British. The maps are concise but not too detailed to be confusing. This book is highly readable as summer reading and for historical research.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read this author before and I hope to correct that by consuming more of his beautifully researched and presented historical detail. He actually makes the telling of war at sea gripping, and that is a gift. One reads the action on edge of seat even though outcomes may have been stored up long ago after learning dry facts at school. It really is a superb read.



Library Loan

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without such historians as Nathaniel Philbrick, and they are a mere handful now- where would the recording of history at this juncture be? Even lower than the quality of threads of historic fiction that they are now teaching under the class sections "History" nomenclature as "truth" in our educational institutions.

This one is excellent. Others have said it better in review to the importance of this congruence. But I exceptionally loved, loved the last sections of alphabetical order listings for the "aftermath" and life detailing for all the principle characters which intersected the War and the title event. So I have to mention that should not be missed. Read every one. And what references and source sections too!

Oh George! What would you make today of the "we think" and "group think" which predominates for "identity" in your land?

In aftermath "thought" I am always confronted by the quality of mindsets and the realities of the French who so America "involved" returned to Europe and survived their own Revolution. And those who didn't.

[Jerome Otte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A broad, engaging and insightful history of the Yorktown campaign.

The narrative is rich, gripping and very readable, and Philbrick does a great job explaining the importance of sea power to the war and to the Yorktown campaign, conveying the tension of the time, and portraying all the lesser-known characters, events and coincidences that contributed to victory. The role of the French and British fleets seems to take up more space than Washington’s role, understandably. He covers the role of finance, the French role in supporting the Americans, the Spanish role in supporting the French, and the personal conflicts and feuds among the British leadership.

There a few minor issues. At one point Philbrick writes that Lafayette’s son sprinkled soil from Yorktown over his father’s casket at Lafayette’s funeral; as far as I know, the soil was sprinkled over the grave only later (due to the French king’s hostility to Lafayette). Sometimes Philbrick indulges in minutiae that makes the story drag a little bit, and some parts come off as fragmented tangents. The first part of the book can get a bit dull at times. Also, despite the title, Washington doesn’t come off as a “genius” in most parts of the book (the French politely ignored many of his recommendations), and much of the American victory seems attributable to luck, French power, and British mistakes. Thankfully, there is little hagiography in the book.

A riveting, well-researched and well-written work.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to historians like Nathaniel Philbrick, who bring historical personages and events to life in accessible, intelligent prose, I know more history than I ever learned in school. And Scott Brick proves an excellent narrator for this riveting account of the Battle of the Chesapeake and the victory of the French navy which set up Washington's victory at Yorktown and the ultimate victory over England in the Revolutionary War. It's a great story that proves Washington's argument that you need a solid navy to complement the infantry. My history books never made it clear that the ragtag American army (I did know that part) was on the verge of losing the war--the army hadn't been paid, Congress was not forthcoming, the patriots were still battling loyalists figuratively and literally, and things looked bleak. Thanks to the French and their navy, along with Lafayette and Washington's military planning, things changed after this battle. The book moves at a steady pace as Philbrick adds details of military, political, and social fronts, but battle scenes ratchet up the pace; as always Philbrick provides an interesting perspective on characters, Washington especially, but also Benedict Arnold who appears as an English officer and gets his comeuppance; Philbrick has chosen a rather obscure battle--or at least one not usually highlighted--and has made an excellent case for its importance; lots of details--historical, military, cultural--and a real sense of time and place; Philbrick's style is compelling and his use of primary sources along with his journalistic writing makes for an authoritative but accessible account. As always, Philbrick has written a compulsively readable historical account.

[Abby Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am absolutely fascinated with the events surrounding the American Revolution- call me a sucker for the most unlikely victories one could imagine- and I love an opportunity to dig in to the time period with my reading. I enjoyed this book, but it was lacking a bit of the personal touch that I come to rely on during reading. These were amazingly normal people who did extraordinary things, so I hate to miss out on that. I somewhat knew most of the characters already, so that helped, but the book was still a slow and dense read. I am still happy to report that I learned quite a bit about the last year of the American Revolution, which was a treat.

[Ted Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning with his book "Mayflower," which I often assigned as summer reading to my history students, I have been a Philbrick fan. His interest in New England and the sea led him to write books about whaling ("In the Heart of the Sea"), Nantucket ("Away Off Shore"), and the battle of Bunker Hill. Once he got into the American Revolution, a book about Benedict Arnold followed ("Valiant Ambition") and now a book about the Yorktown Campaign. Like all of his books, it is well researched and well written, providing both the broad sweeps of history and the little "nuggets" that I look for to help me draw teenagers into the fascinating idiosyncrasies of history. It begins in 1780, with the Revolution dragging into its sixth year, the bulk of the fighting taking place in the south, and Washington keeping an eye on the British army in New York. Philbrick provides a thorough discussion of the actions of the French army and navy, as they maneuvered to decide on a course of action that would both help the Americans and serve their own nation's interests. The author does a very nice job of describing the course of the naval Battle of the Chesapeake, where the French victory served to insure that Cornwallis would remain trapped on the Yorktown peninsula, awaiting his almost certain defeat. The individual personalities of the main players like Washington, Rochambeau, Hamilton, Lafayette, and Cornwallis are examined without bogging down too much into biography, so that the reader gets a real sense of how the events that unfolded were the result of real people making difficult decisions. I have two critiques of the book. The first is that the reader is expected to have some working knowledge of nautical terms in order to fully grasp what is going on during the naval battles. I do not have this background, so (even with the maps) I found it difficult to picture in my mind's eye what was going on at times. The second concerns the book's subtitle- "The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown." Perhaps this was a marketing ploy, because after having read the book, I'm almost inclined to suggest that the subtitle should be "How the French Won the American Revolution." The French navy's victory in the Battle of the Chesapeake was the most important event of the campaign and they provided most of the soldiers who defeated Cornwallis. Indeed, Philbrick recounts on a number of occasions that Washington didn't even want to attack the British in Virginia (he was dying to go after Clinton's army in New York). As the book relates, Washington's finest moment may have been in early 1783 in Newburgh, when he spoke to his officers to dissuade them from using their power and influence to put political pressure on the states in order to get the back pay that was owed them. Washington could have easily turned himself into a military dictator at that point, but instead convinced his men that their plans would undermine everything that they had fought for. In short, the book gets a big "thumbs up" from me, but maybe a having a concise dictionary of nautical terms close by might be useful.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I received this book as an ARC. Here is my take.

“In the Hurricane's Eye: The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown” by Nathaniel Philbrick was very entertaining. When writing on a subject with such scope - an author can write broadly on the subject with little depth, or narrowly with great depth – this tale is written narrowly on a single period of battle – essentially the last year of the revolutionary War – but with great depth to give us the whole story. I thought it was near masterful. Philbrick – who seemingly publishes a book every six months or so – chooses to write on interesting yet little-known or superficially-known subjects, and then tells us about that subject with great depth. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. For the narrative itself I give it 4 stars … but added the fifth for a couple of reasons.

Many seafaring tales of the tall-ships days display all the nautical terms but fail to give the reader a grounding in the terminology – Philbrick avoids this mistake by at least mentioning the first time used what each term refers to – without weighing us down in minutia. For example, while those familiar with sailing terms will immediately recognize port and starboard, Philbrick puts the reader at ease with the simple mention of left and right. The second stylistic note worth mention was the maps. Often authors fail to give adequate maps forcing the reader to disengage from the storyline to get grounded. For example, while I know where Mount Vernon, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Norfolk, Saratoga, and Yorktown are – it helps to be reminded of their relationship to each other. Philbrick gives us a map just about every time we are about to need one. He also includes maps showing how the tall ships move around the battle scenes – for example, what wearing is, how they form a line of battle, and what having the wind does.

While at first I thought writing on such a narrow subject might be boring, I ended up turning the pages with ease. Philbrick has a nice style and draws the reader in. I highly recommend this entry into the early days of American history.

[John Devlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

NP want to put the decisiveness of sea power center stage…without Rochambeau, Degrasee, and Bougainville commanding the French fleet, beating back the British and taking control of the Chesapeake the army would never have been successful at Yorktown…

Point taken…NP, who has written of Benedict Arnold before, makes the winning insight that Arnold’s reentry into the war did much to incite his antagonists to a greater defense and might’ve proved crucial in unfolding the events that led to the American victory…in other words, never underestimate how much personal animus can drive actors and events…

Oh…”and at Yorktown the British could not retreat, bottled up by Washington and then French fleet…Cornwallis surrendered and finally we had WON!”
—schoolhouse rock ftw — had to be done..

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the true history buff, Nathaniel Philbrick never disappoints. I read this book in preparation for a vacation to the "historic triangle" of Virginia, which includes Yorktown. It definitely increased my understanding of the battle of Yorktown and informed my visit, though I'm not sure my travel companions appreciated all my new-found knowledge. (I may have been guilty of over-sharing and being the trip "know-it-all." Lol) So, if you are planning a trip to the area AND you are really "into" history in a big way, definitely read this book. (And, frankly, if you are really "into" American history in a big way, read it even if you're not traveling!)

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the personal details that Philbrick uses that bring the players in the Revolution to life. Who knew the French had fresh baked bread on their ships? The details included in this book were fascinating. I did have to keep a dictionary close by. Highly recommend.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very seldom do I spot-buy a new hardcover book. But, for some reason as I browsed the new non-fiction books this one really caught my eye (perhaps kudos is in order for the cover artist). I really enjoy history but for some reason my knowledge of the Revolutionary War is lacking. Even so, this work by Philbrick on the end of that war was a place for me to start. Covering the years from 1780 to 1782, Philbrick focuses both on the naval engagements of the French and British as well as Washington's Continental army strategy from New York down to the Carolinas.

I have to say that for the first half of the book I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of places, dates and names involved - Arnold, Bougainville, Carleton, Clinton, Cornwallis, Ewald, Galvez, Gates, Greene, Hamilton, Hood, Knox, etc. There was a point at which I was going to give up. But, thankfully I didn't. The last half of the book really picks up on some important components that really ended the war - some completely due to chance and personalities. For example, Benedict Arnold's treason galvanized much of the American populace probably at the worst time for the British. Also, the naval commanders' vanities of both the French and British probably changed the course of the war (partly due to Washington's standing with the French). Near the end of the book the narrative gets much more exciting and complements the hard work of the book's beginning.

Clearly, George Washington is the hero whose leadership of strength, calmness yet toughness kept the Americans unified. Philbrick demonstrates this with very good referenced materials - Washington was respected by everyone and despite his tough leadership, he was also kind and respectful - the type of leader anyone would want.

Interestingly, the best part of the book for me personally was the aftermath - Philbrick looks at what happened to each character after the war for the Americans, British and French leaders mentioned. Much like today - it's fascinating to see that some scoundrels can become celebrated later through politics and connections. A tough, historical read - but worth the effort in my mind.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, though it didn’t occur to me that this was the last book in a series. It still worked well as a standalone book if you choose to read it that way.

What I got the most out of this book was that many different events and decisions occurred that led up to the siege of Yorktown that were outside of George Washington’s control. I didn’t get the sense that it was his genius that helped to win the war but more of his patient persistence, and that other forces helped push things to the siege, such as; a horrible hurricane season, unmotivated British Admirals, an overconfident British commander, the rampage of an American traitor, a discerning and far-seeing Spanish diplomat, complacent French Admirals, and even a slight shifting of the wind during a consequential sea battle….among many other things.

And the reality may be that these things hardly have scratched the surface of what was really going on. As a Christian I get amazed while reading these stories at the confluence of many events that helped to define a single moment. And if that moment was the birth of a nation, it makes you wonder sometimes. What if one of those events turned out differently. Would the outcome be different? If only these historical characters knew the vital role they played in the unfolding of events that end up changing the world. They may have been self-motivated, but there actions may have ended up serving a higher purpose anyway.

Again, it’s a good book, and there are so many things to wonder about. Like Philbrick’s other books, he leaves it to the reader to decide what contributed to the victory at Yorktown after offering all the points we have to consider.

[Shirley (stampartiste) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I lived in Virginia for several years, and even attended a Fourth of July celebration in Yorktown many moons ago, my knowledge of the pivotal Battle of Yorktown and the events and people leading up to it was woefully infinitesimal. Philbrick wrote a masterful account of all of the players (Americans, French, British and Spanish) who played such pivotal roles in this chapter of American history. Without Francisco Saavedra's invaluable aid, the war would likely not have been won at Yorktown... yet this man is totally absent from the history books. And there are so many others like him. I appreciated Philbrick's even-handedness in discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each of these historical figures. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone interested in America's War of Independence.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book filled with the minutia of history. Fascinating, yes; but not for everyone. Philbrick clearly loves his topic and is an excellent historian and writer. I found myself vacillating between "Who knew?" and "Just get on with it." moments. I would recommend--but only if you're ready to deep dive into American history.

[Andrew Wolgemuth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent Revolutionary War account that follows the oft-forgotten/missed French navy aspect of the war. Washington was the general the reveling colonies needed, but he wouldn’t likely have found victory without significant French assistance.

[John Landes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for American Revolution readers. I will be reading the author’s other books as well!

[Dee Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible.com 9 hours 58 min. Narrated by Scott Brick (A)

What more can I add to reviews like those written by Jeanette and Max? Only that this a superb ending to Philbrick's trilogy on the American Revolution. How can one read these books and not see the hand of God or at least recognize Divine Providence? Almost 250 years later, most Americans assume the colonies won the war for independence by their own effeorts. I have deeper appreciation for the men both white and free blacks who suffered severe deprivations and returned home at end without having received pay; if they lived to return at all. That France's navy arrived to provide desparately needed support was a miracle as was the silver coins they brought to provide one month's pay for the Continental Army.
I have purchased this set of books for a library I have started for my four young grandsons (12,11,10,8).I decided the best tangible thing I can leave them are books that will leave a witness for my love of reading and my country and my Lord. I pray that they will grow in wisdom and stature and obedience to God's Word. Each of the reviews on the books I'm reading in 2021 are written for them!