Jon Silkowski’s Reviews > 1776 > Status Update

Many men are not re-enlisting when their terms are up and wood and gunpowder are scarce but war fever is renewed once word of King George’s speech to parliament about ending the war reaches shore

Details the indecision and lack of a proper fighting force. Introduced to many of Washington’s generals like Ward, Lee, etc. Some Americans are shifting to fight for independence and hope is lost when it turns out one of Washington’s top men was a traitor. Just got introduced to Knox and his plan to take the canon from Fort Ticonderoga...

Washington was a born leader and led modestly and amicably. The riflemen were skilled but tough to control. Many British deserted their posts.

Army has no discipline or training. Men abusing alcohol and deserting. Can see the spirit these men possessed though, as it shows in their makeup and craft-worthiness. Disease is killing people because of poor sanitation.

Love that the author spends chapter one focusing on the indecisiveness of the British and takes us behind the scenes of the speeches between the House of Commons and House of Lords. Intriguing to learn about the different sides and characters from a different perspective than we’re accustomed to.