The highs and lows of 1776 ...
The book - 1776 - by David McCullough chronicles Washington's mistakes - his defeats and blunders in 1776. And because of that, during the nadir of the revolution, "The Glorious Cause of America" seemed doomed. Most conceded the war was over and the Americans had lost.
But Washington would not give up and would not quit. He knew that liberty was at stake. And at the end of the year, Washington went on the attack and won a great victory at Trenton on Christmas of 1776. The psychological effect of this victory was enormous and marked a turning point in the war.
The book - 1776 - by David McCullough chronicles Washington's mistakes - his defeats and blunders in 1776. And because of that, during the nadir of the revolution, "The Glorious Cause of America" seemed doomed. Most conceded the war was over and the Americans had lost.
But Washington would not give up and would not quit. He knew that liberty was at stake. And at the end of the year, Washington went on the attack and won a great victory at Trenton on Christmas of 1776. The psychological effect of this victory was enormous and marked a turning point in the war.
Reference: December 1776: Victory or Death
Last spring, I attended the Pikes Peak Writers Conference.
One of the keynote speakers, Kevin Ikenberry, a retired Army officer, explained his idea for a novel that he had pitched to an agent:
Before the Battle of Treton, George Washington reputedly threw a coin across the river.
What if that coin was a bicentennial quarter ...?
Kevin Ikenberry has insight to the workings of the modern army from personal experience as well as knowledge of American history. Thus, he adds authenticity to this tale of what ifs.
It's a good read.
A diverse squad of ROTC cadets, men and women, training at Fort Dix, New Jersey in November 2008 are time slipped days before the Battle of Trenton in 1776.
What could go wrong?
Much.
A couple cadets lose their lives to the fire of enemy as well as an M-16 rifle. If the rifle is reversed engineered, that artifact could change the course of history.
Seeing no way back to the future, the cadets choose to recover the rifle and join Washington's army, while meeting other of America's Founding Fathers.
Dressed in 21st century winter camos, the cadets become known as Washington's ghosts. And they bring a most valuable asset, a knowledge of military history, especially the Battle of Trenton.
These cadets not only make history, but they possibly change history.
Kevin so kindly signed my book with Washington's battle cry --
Victory or Death!
The story and its ending make me wonder if there will be a sequel.
We'll wait and see.
Meanwhile, here's my shout out:
Check out amazon site: The Crossing
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For more in this series, search blog:
ELM
English, Literature, and Musings
Shoutout
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Photos:
The Crossing Book cover
