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The indispensables : the diverse soldier-mariners who shaped the country, formed the Navy, and rowed Washington across the Delaware / Patrick K. O'Donnell.

Summary:
"On the stormy night of August 29, 1776, the Continental Army faced annihilation. After losing the Battle of Brooklyn, the British had Washington's army trapped against the East River. The fate of the Revolution rested heavily on the shoulders of the soldier-mariners from Marblehead, Massachusetts. Serving side-by-side in one of the country's first diverse units, they pulled off an "American Dunkirk" and saved the army. In the annals of the American Revolution, no group played a more consequential role than the Marbleheaders. At the right time in the right place, they repeatedly altered the course of events, and their story shines new light on our understanding of the Revolution. As acclaimed historian Patrick K. O'Donnell dramatically recounts, beginning nearly a decade before the war started, Marbleheaders such as Elbridge Gerry and Azor Orne spearheaded the break with Britain and helped shape the nascent United States by playing a crucial role governing, building alliances, seizing British ships, and forging critical supply lines that established the origins of the US Navy. The Marblehead Regiment, led by John Glover, became truly indispensable. Marbleheaders battled at Lexington and on Bunker Hill and formed the elite Guard that protected George Washington. Then, at the most crucial time in the war, the regiment conveyed 2,400 of Washington's men across the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night of 1776, delivering a momentum-shifting surprise attack on Trenton. Later, Marblehead doctor Nathaniel Bond inoculated the Continental Army against a deadly virus, which changed the course of history. This uniquely diverse group of white, Black, and Native American soldiers set an inclusive standard of unity the US Army would not reach again for over 170 years. The Marbleheaders' story makes The Indispensables a vital addition to the literature of the American Revolution"-- Provided by publisher.

Record details

  • ISBN: 9780802156891
  • ISBN: 0802156894
  • Physical Description: xiii, 415 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm
  • Edition: First edition.
  • Publisher: New York : Atlantic Monthly Press, [2021]

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Subject: Washington, George, 1732-1799.
Glover, John 1732-1797.
United States. Continental Army. Continental Regiment, 14th.
Long Island, Battle of, New York, N.Y., 1776.
Trenton, Battle of, Trenton, N.J., 1776.
United States > History > Revolution, 1775-1783 > Campaigns.
Massachusetts > History > Revolution, 1775-1783 > Participation, African American.
Massachusetts > History > Revolution, 1775-1783 > Participation, Indian.
United States > History > Revolution, 1775-1783 > Participation, African American.

Available copies

  • 17 of 17 copies available at SPARK Libraries.

Holds

  • 0 current holds with 17 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Abington Community Library 973.3 ODONNEL (Text) 50687011713172 Adult Nonfiction Available -
Albright Memorial Library 973.3 ODONNEL (Text) 50686015722262 Adult Nonfiction Available -
Bangor Public Library 973.3 ODO (Text) 75011000366937 Adult Nonfiction Available -
Bernville Area Community Library 973.344 ODO (Text) 33249023879335 Non-fiction Available -
Cambria County Library 973.3 O266i (Text) 85131001770446 CACM Non-Fiction Available -
Cresson Public Library 973.3 ODO (Text) 31814610091750 CRSM Non-Fiction Available -
Gettysburg Library 973.3 O'DONNELL (Text)
Endowment: Philip R. and Elsie D. Morey Named Endowment, 2021
35740635743370 Nonfiction Available -
Green Free Library (Wellsboro) 973.3 ODO (Text)
Memorial: Ruth Clark memorial from Nancy Bower
92524664 GFWM Main Room Available -
Hollidaysburg Area Public Library 973.3 O'Do 2021 (Text)
Memorial: In memory of Pete Dannenberg. Presented by Diane Ansley
10HOL00047172+ Adult Nonfiction Available -
Mahanoy City Public Library 940.54 Odo (Text) 35029000542504 MACM Adult Nonfiction Available -

Summary: "On the stormy night of August 29, 1776, the Continental Army faced annihilation. After losing the Battle of Brooklyn, the British had Washington's army trapped against the East River. The fate of the Revolution rested heavily on the shoulders of the soldier-mariners from Marblehead, Massachusetts. Serving side-by-side in one of the country's first diverse units, they pulled off an "American Dunkirk" and saved the army. In the annals of the American Revolution, no group played a more consequential role than the Marbleheaders. At the right time in the right place, they repeatedly altered the course of events, and their story shines new light on our understanding of the Revolution. As acclaimed historian Patrick K. O'Donnell dramatically recounts, beginning nearly a decade before the war started, Marbleheaders such as Elbridge Gerry and Azor Orne spearheaded the break with Britain and helped shape the nascent United States by playing a crucial role governing, building alliances, seizing British ships, and forging critical supply lines that established the origins of the US Navy. The Marblehead Regiment, led by John Glover, became truly indispensable. Marbleheaders battled at Lexington and on Bunker Hill and formed the elite Guard that protected George Washington. Then, at the most crucial time in the war, the regiment conveyed 2,400 of Washington's men across the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night of 1776, delivering a momentum-shifting surprise attack on Trenton. Later, Marblehead doctor Nathaniel Bond inoculated the Continental Army against a deadly virus, which changed the course of history. This uniquely diverse group of white, Black, and Native American soldiers set an inclusive standard of unity the US Army would not reach again for over 170 years. The Marbleheaders' story makes The Indispensables a vital addition to the literature of the American Revolution"--

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