The World Turned Upside Down

The World Turned Upside Down: Volume 6

Book Series: Prelude to Glory
Author:         Ron Carter
Publisher:     Bookcraft
Publishing date: 2002
Pages:           514
Number of Chapters: 32

Volume 6 spans three years: May 1778-October 1781

Chapter 1
May 1778

The Dunson family gets a letter from Matthew. The Weems family gets a letter from Billy. Dorothy Weems sends a message to get together the next day and share. Saturday is soap making day to support the Dunson's laundry business. Everyone helps and in the late evening, Dorothy Weems and daughter Trudy (now age eleven) arrive.
Billy's letter has the news that he found Caleb Dunson and Margaret is is shocked since she's received no letters from her son since he ran away to join the army almost one year ago. Dorothy reassures her friend and neighbor that Caleb just needs time. They remember Matthew's lost love, Kathleen, still in England with no word.

Chapter 2
Over in British-occupied Philadelphia, big plans are underway for an extravagant carnival to say farewell to General Howe who is resigning after his and Great Britain's failure to take the Hudson River corridor. The British officer serving under Howe, John André is using his artistic talents to supervise the entire "Meschianza" and the expense is outrageous. Only the wealthiest American sympathizers/Torries are participating. John, and the rest of his committee, stop at the stately mansion of Edward Shippen. John has his eye on the beautiful eighteen year old daughter, Margaret "Peggy" Shippen. (Sorry, no Schuyler sisters in this series)

Chapter 3
Peggy knows who is downstairs talking to her father right at this very minute and she's almost certain it's about the carnival and all the festivities, including a grand ball, and she'll just DIE if Daddy won't let her be a part of it. The visitors leave and she rushes downstairs to talk to her father. Yes, the men bring an invitation to her and her best girlfriends to attend the ball and all the parties including a rather scandalous reenactment of knights jousting for the hands of Turkish Harem girls with Peggy and her friends dressing in costumes to be designed by John André. Daddy has reluctantly given his permission. Peggy squeals and runs right over to her best friend's family mansion to learn her parents have also given their consent. The two girls squeal some more in anticipation.
Four days pass. On the day of the big event, Daddy (with a little prodding from his religious elders) withdraws his permission. His daughter will not be exposed to such bacchanalia. 
Peggy is DEVASTATED.

Chapter 4
Flashbacks to October 1777 to May 1778 and the battle of Saratoga (see Vol 4 The Hand of Providence, chapter 31) when General Benedict Arnold defied his superior officer, General Gates, and raced off to join the battle, lead troops to victory but also get his horse shot out from under him while taking a second shot in the left femur. Arnold's long, hard, excruciatingly painful recovery and convalescence is detailed here. Months in bed. Bitter, frustrated. Arnold is a widower. His three young children visit him and lift his spirits. Washington has also been a visitor to this brave warrior. Washington is sympathetic to his situation and suggests Arnold request a position as military governor over Philadelphia, since the British are following Howe and dispersing to other areas. Arnold accepts. He's also doing some money making investments on the side with the British for personal gain. Washington hopes he's doing it for the right reasons.

Chapter 5
May 1778, London

Still reeling over Burgoyne's numerous defeats along the Hudson River corridor and Saratoga, military and political leaders are desperate to find a new offensive in their war to control America. They decide to focus on the American South where the slave, cotton, sugar and rum trade will help turn the tide in their favor, if they can seize control.

Chapter 6
June 1778

Conditions are much better at Valley Forge with warm weather and better food rations. Billy and Eli are called to General George Washington's headquarters where Alexander Hamilton (average height, slender, boyish in appearance, aide-de-camp to Washington) shows them in and once again mentally ponders the white man dressed like an Indian who never salutes anyone.
Washington needs all the info he can get for the best place to take his army for the summer offensive. He must know where the British are moving and their numbers.
Billy and Eli leave for a daring adventure of espionage. With the help of fellow spy "Isaiah," they sneak into Philly using the code names Washington gave them, "Daniel and Richard" so if anyone is captured or killed nobody gets in trouble. Billy and Eli pose as Torries and help load oats for the British army, thus learning where the army is headed but the British officer they chat with is suspicious and sends men to follow them.
Billy and Eli hide in a tavern but two more Redcoats recognize the fugitives (thanks to an APB!) and give chase to the river where Billy and Eli escape in a rowboat, cross the river and decide to do some damage in a British camp. They knock out the pickets, set off the gunpowder magazine and set the horses loose. They do a quick count while running to the other side of the camp to find more gunpowder and set it off too. They return to where they hid their weapons and take a few British prisoners in order to confiscate their horses and ride back to report to General Washington without a scratch on 'em. Washington (and Colonel Hamilton) is happy to hear that by June 18th the British will be moving North.

Chapter 7
June 1778

Benedict Arnold has arrived in Philadelphia and he's ready to live like a king with only the finest furnishings, food and wine in his grand new mansion recently abandoned by British sympathizers. As his caravan passes the home of Peggy Shippen, she just happens to be standing out on the steps when he sees her and is immediately smitten. He tells his aide to find out everything he can about her.

Chapter 8
July 1778

Another flashback (rewind), see Vol 4, The Hand of Providence, chapter 33 as we re-visit the wedding of Eli and Mary. Standing just off to the side of the happy couple, Billy is thinking about Bridgette (and hopes she's satisfied!). Turlock tells him to send those letters.
Narration jumps to the British ships in New York Harbor, looking for the best way to enter because French ships are patrolling the water in support of America. Neither side is successful in outmaneuvering the other.
Suddenly, we're in White Plains, NY. Washington's winter camp and it's now November, 1778. Billy and Turlock are talking of recent events and speculating where Eli and his new bride are right now. They also speak of Caleb Dunson.

Chapter 9
December 1778

Fifty miles north of NYC in the same winter camp, Caleb Dunson is remembering the past year: joining the army, getting beat up by that Irishman, Murphy, and defeating him in a second fight. Word in camp is Caleb better watch his back because Murphy is out to get him, even kill him. 
One day, it finally happens. Caleb is attacked while on his way to a meeting with his superior officer to make another entry in the regimental orderly book. He's stabbed in the back by a bayonet. He defends himself against the two men, one is Murphy and he's DEAD as is the other. Wow. Caleb doesn't know his own strength.
Another man suddenly jumps out of the bushes to accuse Caleb of attacking Murphy. Murderer! A hearing is convened but the stories don't match. The plea is self defense and Caleb has a wound to prove he was attacked and provoked. In the end, Caleb is found not guilty but rumors are flying all over his camp division. Caleb is being treated by everyone as an outcast, "watch your step or he'll kill you," is the word around camp. This makes Caleb angry. He lashes out at an innocent man, making his own situation worse. Caleb's superior officer is sympathetic to Caleb but there's not much he can do except suggest the best thing might be for Caleb to request a transfer. Caleb decides to go South.

Chapter 10
In Philadelphia, tensions are high between Patriots and Tories. Nobody is certain which side General Benedict Arnold is on (hence the linkage of his name with "traitor"). The latest gossip is that Arnold is engaged to Peggy Shippen. She's only 19, he's 38! He's using his position as military governor to get money to throw lavish parties and banquets and make lots of under-the-table dealings with local city merchants who sell only to the British and give Arnold his share of the profits. He's going to get caught soon and it won't end well.

Chapter 11
December 1778

Brigitte Dunson teaches school now and still lives at home. She has an awful feeling that something's wrong. After dismissing school for the day, she arrives home to find a package waiting for her. (See Volume 1, chapter 27, Our Sacred Honor) Now we get the rest of the story as Brigitte mourns for her lost love with Margaret there providing a Mother's shoulder for her daughter to cry on before tucking her into bed. It is long past midnight.

Chapter 12
June 1779

Peggy Shippen is now married to Benedict Arnold and loves being mistress of such a grand estate but she is troubled to learn of the inquiries being made into her husband's business dealings. Also, he's losing money, bad investments, while a British contact is pressuring him to give up information on Fort West Point on the Hudson River that the British have their eye on. Arnold says unless he's given a huge bribe, he will not cooperate. He'd also like command of that fort and is of a mind to ask General Washington for it. Peggy tells him to go for it.

Chapter 13
October 1779

The army is camped somewhere in Connecticut when Billy gets a letter from his Mom informing him Matthew, his best friend from childhood, is coming to Boston on shore leave. Everyone hopes Billy might obtain a furlough and join them for a big reunion. Billy does and it's a joyful homecoming with tears, laughter and Billy brought presents for his mother and sister. He settles back into Boston home life: chopping wood, eating supper with his family and learning Brigitte is still single. Her British captian was killed in some battle last year. 
Two days later, word is sent that Matthew has arrived in Boston and everyone is invited over for breakfast tomorrow morning.
Brigitte rushes to hug Billy like a brother. Matthew is equally glad to see him. Billy tells them all about his eccentric Indian friend, Eli. Matthew also brought Tom Sievers body. He will bury this great friend of the family tonight and he'll do it alone. All agree that would be best.

Chapter 14
Matthew returns from burying Tom in a small village north of Bostontown. He eats food Margaret kept warm for him and goes to bed, wondering where Kathleen is and how she's doing.
The next day is Sunday (compare with Vol 1 Our Sacred Honor chapter 29). After church services, Reverend Silas Olmsted finds the family, takes Matthew aside and tells him he just received a letter from Kathleen, shown in it's entirety here but not in Our Sacred Honor. Slight changes in dialogue and description but very much the same as the version in Volume 1 as Matthew and Kathleen reunite, throwing themselves into each other's arms. Volume 1 ended here but now we get the rest of the story!
Witnessing the tender scene on the boat dock, everyone cries and thinks of their own loved ones. Even the ship's crew don't mind this traffic jam of family and friends witnessing the lovebird's reunion while they have cargo to unload.
They collect Kathleen's luggage and her two siblings, Charles and Faith, and everyone reconvenes at the Weems home. Kathleen will stay the night with the Dunsons and tomorrow, everyone will help open up the old Thorpe home for a thorough airing and cleaning.
Eight days later, Matthew officially proposes marriage to Kathleen who accepts. It is now early November. Reverend Olmsted marries them and, once again, Billy gives away the bride. He even jokes to himself, "Three time a bridesmaid, never a groom. When's it gonna be MY turn?" (Um, maybe when you actually propose to a woman, you dope!)
The newlyweds spend their wedding night in the Thorpe home. They pray as a couple and go to bed. (The kids are spending the night elsewhere, obviously!)

Chapter 15
January 1780

Here in Morristown, New Jersey, Washington's winter quarters are, once again, very poor with bad rations and no supplies. In conference with Alexander Hamilton, Washington is troubled to learn that Benedict Arnold has been found not guilty in his monetary transactions with local merchants who support the British. 
As if anything could top the horrors of Valley Forge, this winter camp is coming awfully close. England has found victory in the Deep South while Congress has no money to give him so he can pay his army for all these years of service. France is more interested in their West Indies holdings than in helping America obtain freedom. Hamilton regrets to inform the General, if conditions don't improve, they may have no choice but to dissolve the Continental Army while the British plan on taking Charleston next. He promises to keep Washington advised on everything and is dismissed. Chapter Notes state Hamilton served as personal aide to Washington for an extended period of time.

Chapter 16
February, 1780

Caleb Dunson is a prisoner of war somewhere in Savannah, Georgia, being held with rednecks and other low life he can barely understand in barns on a plantation now occupied by the British. They are treated much like the Japanese POWs in World War II camps which makes Caleb's blood boil. He wants to escape. Fight back. He doesn't care if it means the entire camp is punished if one rebels. He sees his chance and makes a break for it anyway, attacking one British guard, firing a cannon with the help of another man who followed Caleb's lead-a black man! 
Now that the're safely away from the enemy, this escaped slave, known only as Primus, tells Caleb they must travel "Nawth...find Massa Marion, the 'ol Swamp Fox! He'll know what to do."

Chapter 17
May 1780

A brief history of the area of South Carolina is given here with details pertaining to both the geographic and sociological events. The Blue Ridge mountains were formed, Indians came to live here, then white men who brought captured African slaves. Now the British are here to wage war with these white settlers.
General Clinton meets with his fellow British officers for a report on the victory numbers of the recent battle. He also wants to offer a reward and promise of protection to all the locals in the area, rich or poor (but mostly rich) with all their slaves who will join their side in the fight against Washington's army.

Chapter 18
Caleb and Primus travel farther North, searching for the Swamp Fox and his band of merry men who are rumored to be somewhere in South Carolina. They run into a group of American soldiers and join up with them, just before discovering a small regiment of British on whom they decide mount an attack but lose. The Americans begin screaming for surrender but these British are ruthless. Caleb and Primus survive the holocaust and escape. Once again, they are on their own.
Days pass. One night, after making camp in the woods, the two friends talk. Primus was born to a life of slavery on a plantation. His mother died giving birth to him. Put to work at age seven, he was taught to read a little including the Gullah Bible (written phonetically by slaves as their own underground version of the white man's scripture). Life was so miserable, he was whipped the first time he tried to escape but succeeded the second time where he found and joined up with the Swamp Fox and his band in their rebellion against the British. Caleb asks if Primus ever married while he was a slave? Primus says white owners don't allow or recognize black marriages but he did "make promises" with a young girl named Callie. They had a child together but Callie and baby were sold off and he never saw them again. Caleb is horrifed.
The next day, the two silently witness one group of poor white southern farmers raid and burn the home of a more prosperous white family who own a modest farm and just a few slaves. Primus explains to Caleb the 'po white "have nots" is jealous of the "haves" and ready to take what they believe is rightfully theirs. 

Chapter 19
Six armed men suddenly surround Caleb and Primus. Caleb says they're looking for Francis Marion. Well, they found him. 
They are wearily accepted. Caleb helps move the camp and does a little Indian fighting on a small group of British to earn the camp's respect and trust. Caleb can attack and disappear into the woods and swamps with the best of them. Like Robin Hood, they return to the secret camp with their newest British acquisitions of gold and food. Marion is surprised to find a New Englander so far south but both Caleb and the black man are welcome.

Chapter 20
June 1780

Somewhere in Connecticut, Billy and Turlock are just as restless as the rest of the army. Eight months of waiting to engage the British and nothing. Word comes of British movements in the South. Many Northern militia are being sent down as reinforcements. Looks like the Boston Regiment is getting called up too. Both wonder where Eli is. It's been over a year now since he got married and whisked his bride away.

Chapter 21
Way up north, in Vermont, Mary is about to give birth! Sister-in-law, Lydia, is close by while Eli paces outside the cabin with Lydia's husband, Ben. Eli just returned with the local midwife but the birth is not looking good. Mary has a fever. Her health was always poor since everything she went through in Volume III nearly killed her. She is weak and knows she's going to die but happy for her allotted time with Eli. She will leave all in the hands of God.
With her last strength, she gives birth to a baby girl. Eli is quickly called in. He cradles Mary in his arms as she whispers her last words. After holding her baby for the first and last time, she dies. Eli tells his sister Mary's last words were to name the baby Laura.
For the next several days, Eli is withdrawn, quiet. A wetnurse is brought in for the baby but Eli is restless. Lydia and Ben suggest maybe it's time for Eli to return to fighting in the war. Don't worry about the baby, we'll raise her as our own, or until you want to return and reclaim custody of her. Eli agrees and sets out the very next day.

Chapter 22
August 1780
South Carolina
That pompous ass General Gates has arrived to lead American troops to victory in the South the way he did with Benedict Arnold in New York State and the Hudson River Corridor battles. Once again, Gates will remain safely behind the lines while his leaderless men go to their deaths because Gates is not open to suggestions from anyone, including Francis Marion.
The British force is led by the formidable General Cornwallis. The two armies, by pure accident, meet at a place called Saunder's Creek. Gates hastily spreads his forces but it's weak, showing poor planning and communication. The American forces retreat with Gates the Coward leading the way on the fastest horse he could commandeer from a lower ranking officer.
Billy is also here. In disgust, he observes Gates, takes command of the few men still left and leads a charge. Turlock does the same. Another brave man, General de Kalb, has his horse shot out from under him and is hit multiple times all over his body by bullets yet he continues to fight with almost superhuman strength until he topples over and dies. Even the British remove their tricorn hats in respect and order a litter brought to carry away the body of their enemy. 
Billy and Turlock escape with a small group of men. General Horatio Gates is stripped of command. He is never given another post again.

Chapter 23
In New York City, a British general receives word of a prominent American willing to sell information that would give England control of an important fort on the Hudson. The correspondent on the British side is none other than John André from Chapter 2 who supervised the entire Meschianza. He is now a major general here in NYC and, for the last ten months, has been secretly corresponding by code names with one B. Arnold in Philadelphia. Terms and price have been agreed upon. General Benedict Arnold is currently residing in a fine Manhattan mansion with a nice view of the fort, just across the Hudson. He just sent for Peggy from Philly to join him and she is happy at the news of selling out to the British to bring an end to the war. She and her husband will be famous, enjoying wealth and glory for the rest of their days.
This will not end well.

Chapter 24
September 1780

A humble farmer is shocked when Benedict Arnold shows up at his house late in the afternoon asking for his help. Arnold needs a rowboat to attend a secret meeting along with two men to manage the heavy physical labor of rowing. Arnold lies about the details of this meeting. When he produces a large jug of rum, these two greedy men are happy to row the famous General anywhere he wants!
John André is waiting on the Jersey shore and several hours pass in careful negotiations as Arnold doesn't want Washington involved when the British "attack" the fort and Arnold hands it over. They must wait until after General Washington has finished his inspection of the fort and leaves. These plans take all night.
Daylight comes. Arnold goes home while André will have to hide somewhere for the day. Another problem arises when the British ship out on the water that was to be his transport, is attacked. There goes his ride back to headquarters in NYC. Then, André is captured and the suspicious papers he's carrying are forwarded to George Washington himself. 
Washington is just pulling up at Arnold's residence (Lafayette is also among the party) when word reaches Arnold of his British cohort's capture. The entire household panics. Arnold bolts, leaving Peggy all alone to come up with her own alibi. She feigns insanity. Even Washington is sympathetic, believing Peggy to be suffering from female hysteria, even lunacy, as she raves about her husband who was carried away by evil spirits. The papers catch up to Washington at Arnold's mansion (delivered by Alexander Hamilton) and the evil plot is revealed. Washington is sick at heart over the betrayal. Even Hamilton is alarmed at the shocked state of his commander in chief.
Hamilton rides hard and fast after the traitor but it is too late, Benedict Arnold managed to escape into NYC taking refuge at British headquarters. The only guilty person left is John André who writes to General Washington requesting he be allowed to die by firing squad instead of hanged like a common criminal. Washington remembers the brave Nathan Hale and refuses.

Chapter 25
Over in the Swamp Fox camp in South Carolina, a messenger arrives saying British are camped over yonder mountain; an easy target. These mountain men know how to survive on very little. They strike fast and hard, then disappear into the woods to preach strong Bible thumping sermons to each other. They are all good, God-fearing men (women too). Caleb will join this last fight, then he'd like permission to join a command that plans to move north so he can work his way closer to home. Primus will come too and become a free black man. Marion wishes them both luck.
The attack commences the next day. The British have positioned themselves at a vulnerable spot on the flat top of King's Mountain, approximately 1007 ft above sea level. (In Utah, we call that a speed bump!) An easy hike to the top and the British are no match against these backwoodsmen. The Swamp Fox scores another victory and Caleb and Primus say goodbye.

Chapter 26
December 1780
Caleb and Primus arrive outside an American camp near Charlotte, South Carolina but the picket doesn't believe they are friendly. Caleb gives the names of those he recently fought with who died at King's Mountain and the picket believes them. They can stay but tension is evident because of Primus who is advised to go join the segregated black camp down the road. (Say hi to John Laurens for us!) Caleb is angry and offended. Black lives matter, people! Primus calms Caleb down. We don't want no trouble, he says. Caleb walks his friend over and is a little disturbed to find some kind of voodoo ceremony going on with dancing, wailing and dead chickens. Primus explains and Celeb makes a hasty exit back to the white man's camp.
In the morning, they all march off to fight.

Chapter 27
January 1781

In Boston, Kathleen is great with child and very emotional with her two younger siblings still dependent on her and Matthew off on a warship in the Atlantic where he could die at any time. Reverend Silas Olmsted comes calling. He has a letter to lift Kathleen spirits and she weeps as she reads Matthew's letter assuring her he is well and safe. He hopes to be there for the baby's birth. Reverend Olmsted is more like LDS Bishop Olmsted as he promises Kathleen her trials of pregnancy and duties to Charles and Faith shall only be but a short moment compared to the eternal blessings of heaven.

Chapter 28
The Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina is a great success with the British defeated. Caleb and Primus contributed and both fought bravely. The tide of this long war is finally turning.

Chapter 29
March 1781

Washington's main camp is still in Morristown, New Jersey. Eli arrives and reports. He was sent nine weeks ago to cover many states, join a battle in which American forces beat the British in North Carolina and he now returns with a written message from General Nathanael Greene declaring victory and his intentions to carry the war deeper into South Carolina and stop the British once and for all. Washington is pleased.

Chapter 30
May 1781

In Boston, Matthew arrives just in time to welcome his new son into the world. They name him John Matthew, after his father and dead grandfather. (You will come of age with our young nation.) Margaret is overcome with emotion. Brigitte was also present, helping with the birth and Dorothy Weems is also here with Doctor Soderquist. Mom and baby are fine.

Chapter 31
July 1781

The time has come. With French ships and extra troops outnumbering the British, Washington FINALLY has the resources he needs to attack Yorktown, Virginia while French ships attack the British on Chesapeake Bay. Eli helps deliver the messages so everyone will be in their places, ready to begin their coordinated attack at the appointed times.

Chapter 32
October 1781

Matthew is on one of these French ships, a valuable asset as an American navigator in these tricky waters with only one narrow Bay passage. They are waiting to engage the British who retreated out to open water and are shocked the British sea captain followed the rule book and set up his fleet in a battle line when he could easily have picked all these huge enemy warships off, one by one, while they were exiting the bay in pursuit, Matthew's ship in the lead. Since they didn't, they are soundly defeated by French and American ships. The French then leave to meet General Washington who is rowed to the lead ship where he immediately convenes a war council. These ships will return, up the Bay to the river that empties into it, to attack Cornwallis in Yorktown.
Billy and Turlock help dig trenches and wonder where Eli is.
In a different camp, Eli is thinking the same thing while missing his dead wife and new daughter.
In yet ANOTHER camp, Caleb and Primus are here too. Caleb wonders if Billy and Matthew are close by.
Next day, it's siege time and for several days the British are pounded. Then the order comes for Billy and Turlock's regiment to storm the redoubts.The British give a good fight. Billy screams as his good friend through thick and thin (and the last five books!) Sergeant Alvin Turlock is knocked down by a cannon blast that hit too close.
And just like that, it's over. The next day, Cornwallis asks to negotiate the terms of surrender. Washington (who does not smile) solemnly declares them all prisoners of war. Conwallis agrees to these terms and on October 19, 1781 the defeated British lay down their arms to the colonists who fought so hard for their independence. Cornwallis sends another of his Generals in his place with his sword. The General mistakenly hands French General Rochambeau the sword. Rochambeau gestures to Washington and the mistake is rectified.
We tend our wounded. We count our dead. Caleb, Eli, Matthew, Billy and Turlock, who did NOT die, (whew!) all watch from separate places (Black and white soldiers wonder alike if this really means freedom. Not yet, says Washington) hoping to find each other on the other side of the war, now that it's all over. After six long years, they are finally free.
Or are they?

THE END

A Cold, Bleak Hill

A Cold, Bleak Hill: Volume 5

Book Series: Prelude to Glory
Author:         Ron Carter
Publisher:     Bookcraft
Publishing date: 2001
Pages:           554
Number of Chapters: 33

Volume 5 spans 18 months: Jan 1777-July 1778

Chapter 1

We begin with some review (in case the reader forgot or hasn't read the previous volumes). It is January, 1777 and George Washington has just taken Princeton (thx Alexander Hamilton!). Now he must decide where to winter. He'll go to Morristown. Jump forward five months to May, 1777, and Washington assembles his officers to discuss what the British will do and how to prepare for Burgoyne and Howe's invasions (don't worry, Burgoyne will fail). Now it's early July, 1777, and a young, fresh-faced boy from Boston is eager to join the army and be a hero, until he offends a quick-tempered Irishman and gets knocked senseless. Now Caleb works every evening with a homemade punching bag until the sweat rolls off him, under the careful tuteladge of (he IS from England) Charles Dorman. We get his POV as he recalls his own dark, depressing childhood: orphaned as a baby by his unwed teenage mom, raised in charity, beaten, abused, neglected, he joined the Navy and became a prizefighter which led to his immigration to America. Inspired by the predominating spirit of freedom, this never married (come on, REALLY?) good man sees Caleb as someone he can be a father figure to (and that's it!).
July 1777, Middlebrook, where Washington meets, for the first time, a nineteen year old Frenchman, newly married, well educated, with enough money to last three lifetimes who has dedicated himself to the American cause of liberty-Marie Joseph Paul Yves Rock Gilbert du Morier de Lafayette. (While Alexander Hamilton shows him into Washington's office, he was NOT the one responsible for their formal introduction. Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were!). Washington immediately makes Lafayette one of his generals (he has military experience) and this looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Side note: On page 36 we are told the Dunson family are members of the Congregationalist faith. 

Chapter 2

Some background on British General William Howe and his campaign to subdue the Americans whom he greatly admires while the reader may remember from Vol. 3 chapter 11 that Howe is enjoying an affair with a married woman. He assembles his Generals to discuss what they can do to help Burgoyne in taking Fort Ticonderoga while keeping an eye on Washington who has a network of spies, mostly washerwomen working for the British, who keep Washington informed of their movements. Washington knows he must keep the British from invading and occupying Philadelphia where the Continental Congress currently meets.

Chapter 3
July 1777
Caleb carries a spear (no money for extra muskets, thanks to stingy Congress!) and marches with the other men who grumble about the confusion. Nobody knows exactly where Washington plans to engage Howe. One day, French muskets arrive and Caleb gets one, remarking on the quality of the weapon as his father was a respected gunsmith and Caleb often helped him in his work. He's moving up, both in soldiering and working with Dorman. More days pass of marching, making camp and wood duty where one man gets bit by a rattlesnake. Caleb, ever the budding writer, obtains paper and pencil to document the incident.

Chapter 4
A sergeant tells Caleb the army needs men who can read and write and would Caleb like the job of keeping "camp minutes" in the orderly book? Caleb refuses but later accepts. Meanwhile, the British are cowering out on the water and everyone is on edge for the next battle, if it ever comes. They wander like Arabs up and down the New England coast while Howe stays in his boats and won't come ashore to engage them. Washington is baffled.

Chapter 5
Mary Flint is remembering her past (for the reader's benefit). Only two dying men remain in the hospital at Morristown. One is just a boy and he dies in Mary's arms. The new doctor in charge is Dr. Folsom and to him, Mary spills all (more exposition): widowed, no family, denied the money left to her by the kind British doctor. All she has to do is say the name, "Eli" and Dr. Folsom knows she has feelings for this man.

Chapter 6
August 1777
Howe's army has been stuck on those ships for 47 days and Washington can't understand why Howe won't stop somewhere and challenge them. His patrols report no change. Washington orders Hamilton to assemble his Generals for a war council anyway. They will be prepared. Caleb and Dorman spar with each other. Caleb improves everyday.

Chapter 7
Howe finally gives an order to go ashore and take Philadelphia. His troops are starving. They burn and loot on the way. Alexander Hamilton announces the arrival of the other Generals who report this activity. Washington will take his army in that direction to protect their capital city.

Chapter 8
September 1777
With no idea of their mutual connection to Billy Weems, Mary and Caleb help bury a soldier who died of smallpox and had to be buried immediately to avoid outbreak. They are camped near Brandywine Creek in Pennsylvania. The sun is rising on Washington's camp when a messenger arrives-the British are coming! Alexander Hamilton grins at the news as Washington orders everyone to start organizing themselves to meet Howe.

Chapter 9
Howe and his Generals plan their attack. It's a short chapter.

Chapter 10
September 1777
This is a true story about Thomas Cheyney: a happily married farmer who lives in the Brandywine Creek area with his wife and four children. Worried about British vandalism and confiscation of their food and livestock, Thomas and his oldest son are harvesting their wheat crop when the British appear on the horizon. Thomas sends his family into the woods to hide, then rides to warn all his neighbors, continuing on to where Washington is camped with his troops. Despite his brave actions, British did raid and loot many farms in that area.

Chapter 11
The waiting is finally over and the Battle of Brandywine Creek commences. Caleb sees death for the first time. Thomas Chayney rides in with news of where British are and which direction they're headed. Washington issues orders to his men via Alexander Hamilton who makes several trips back and forth, repeating Washington's verbal orders to his Generals but it's too late. The British attack. Caleb is caught up in the retreat until Washington rides in to rally his men. Lafayette is also leading a charge against the British. They fight and fall back courageously. British win but the Americans will engage again, soon.

Chapter 12
Nightmares plague Caleb from the recent battle. Dorman shakes him awake and they talk some more about revenge and killing. They spar to help Caleb get his mind off his PTS till dusk. Caleb writes home. Next day they march.
A few days later, in the middle of the night, one of General Howe's divisions charge the New York Ninth camp as they sleep out in the open, stabbing them all with bayonets. All except Caleb who escapes with a superficial wound. Still unseen he swims the Schuylkill River and runs to tell George Washington, personally. Alexander Hamilton admits Private Caleb Dunson and stays to hear Caleb's story. Washington tells Hamilton to take Caleb and find his superior officer to confirm Caleb's report. Hamilton returns and says it's all true, there WAS a massacre.

Chapter 13
Howe takes Philadelphia without a single shot fired. He successfully tricked Washington into thinking he was marching to Reading, Pennsylvania to seize the American stores of supplies for the army. To celebrate his easy victory, Howe orders Joshua Loring to come on down to the city of Philadelphia. Oh, and be sure to bring your wife, Elizabeth.

Chapter 14
October 1777
Washington orders a war council which includes such non-commissioned officers as Caleb Dunson, Alexander Hamilton and fellow aide John Laurens who also sit in on the council. Lafyette is not there, injured at Brandywine, currently recovering. All are glad to hear it. Howe has split his army with a smaller force stationed at a place called Germantown which they will attack and thus regain some much needed morale. To prepare, volunteers are needed to scout the woods, locate the British and report back. Caleb agrees to go since his training with Dorman has prepared him for this kind of spy work. An old woodsman, also named Caleb, last name Pryor will be the leader. He promises to look after Caleb.
Like Billy and Eli, the two Calebs move, Indian-like, through the forest at night, find the British camp and return to report to a stuck up snob named Captain Furniss. Caleb exits the tent, blowing air when he's struck dumb by one of the camp doctors who just happens to be accompanied by the most beautiful young woman Caleb ever saw in his life. She has auburn hair and green eyes and her name is Nancy Fremont. They talk while the doctor is inside the tent with Captain Furniss discussing a recent medical outbreak. Nancy is Caleb's age and learning to be a nurse.
Pryor and Caleb return to the woods to help the army get revenge for the earlier Ch. 12 massacre. There's a chaotic battle as the British retreat from the advancing Americans but heavy fog creates confusion and the British end up the victors at the Battle of Germantown.

Chapter 15
November 1777
It's getting cold. Billy is returning from his long trip North where he left Eli newly reunited with his sister and her little family. He asks a German farmer in Pennsylvania for directions to Washington's camp who gives Billy food and lodgings for the night as well as some warm clothes. Billy is grateful.

Chapter 16
Our favorite Sergeant Turlock is delighted to see Billy again after his long absence, glad to hear Eli found his sister and informs Billy that Mary is here and is sweet on Eli. Billy says Eli returns those feelings. The two men catch up on news which the reader should already be familiar with from the last book.

Chapter 17
Politics and gridlock by Congress frustrate Washington as to the best course of action he should take to establish winter quarters for his already starving, freezing, army. He consults, privately, with Colonel John Laurens and (Washington's "right-hand man!") Alexander Hamilton. Both men reflect just how often they've seen this great commander in chief weeping and praying over the state of his suffering army. As for the decision on where to winter, Washington has decided on a place called Valley Forge. His aides concur. Things are also not good on the political side of this war. Most of the original members of the Continental Congress who chose Washington to lead the newly formed army have left, replaced by those who don't like Washington. This includes certain men currently serving under Washington (General Gates) who are working secretly to try and overthrow him. Their recent Germantown loss only adds fuel to this fire.
The good news is, Hamilton says, Billy Weems has returned from his scouting expedition and will be ready to make his report first thing tomorrow morning.

Chapter 18
December 1777
Meet Lydia Darragh, an old Quaker woman living in British occupied Philadelphia who have taken over her home to hold their war council meetings and forced Lydia to cook and serve them their meals. Today, she just happens to overhear some vital information that could destroy George Washington and his army-Howe has given orders for these Generals to march on Washington's camp in a surprise attack and totally annihilate them. This should successfully end the war.
Horrified, this brave older woman tells no one, not even her husband, until the following day when she leaves the city, getting past the guards by telling them she's going to buy flour for the important British general staying in her home. They let her pass. Lydia gets the heavy sack of flour and, with a prayer in her heart, by a miracle, a Philadelphia man on a horse happens to ride by whom she recognizes. A man she knows is currently serving under General Washington. She gives him the message which he promises to relay.
Next Lydia goes to a nearby tavern where, by another miracle, a man spying for Washington talks to her and she spontaneously confides in him. He too promises to pass this critical information on to Washington. This is a true story and Lydia Darragh's actions likely saved Washington's army.

Chapter 19
Welcome to Valley Forge where General Washington, Alexander Hamilton and the entire Continental army have resorted to eating their horses! There is literally nothing to sustain and shelter a starving army here in this valley: no supplies, no local farms or farmers who will give them aid. The entire area consists of just a few small buildings, scattered farms and log huts. The good news is there's plenty of trees and open fields for the men to camp. All out in the open of course.
Washington orders his army to form groups/teams/squads of twelve men each and begin building shelters. To boost morale, a competition is declared; the first team to complete their shelter wins the purse of money from Washington's own pocket. Billy and Turlock know their team is up to the challenge and everyone gets to work.

Chapter 20
Yay, Eli's here! Back from his visit where he left his sister in good health. He finds Billy and Turlock and helps them finish completing their shelter while his friends catch him up on all the news, including Mary who hasn't arrived yet. Eli reports to Washington. Hamilton sits in, observing and silently reacting (Hasn't anyone ever taught this man to salute?). Washington's hut is just as crude as the rest of his men. No indoor fire pit. The only form of smoke in the room is their breath. Eli is the healthiest man in the entire camp as well as the most warmly dressed in a wolf-skin coat he made himself. He's alarmed seeing the state of conditions around him since his arrival. Washington shares his frustration. He's already written a letter to congress. Eli will deliver it.

Chapter 21
Mary and Dr. Folsom arrive at Valley Forge and set up a crude hospital in an abandoned barn. Eli is returning from New York where Congress currently meets since getting kicked out of Philly (they evacuated safely before British arrived). A group of well fed men on horses meet Eli and request to ride with him to Valley Forge but Eli is suspicious. He draws his rifle and when the men refuse to answer his questions he disarms them sending all but one running into the woods. True to his nature, Eli calmly leads their horses and his latest prisoner, who is a robber. It was common back then to pose as a loyal Washington patriot and take advantage of innocent travelers. Washington is pleased. Hamilton runs for back up as the prisoner threatens to bolt while Eli has only to flash his tomahawk and the man restrains himself. Washington gives orders to locate, if possible, the owners of the six stolen horses. If no reports have been filed, the army can certainly use them.
Immediately following his conference with the General, Eli wastes no time locating Mary where these two FINALLY get their sweet reunion; hugging before Mary take the initiative by impulsively kissing Eli right on the mouth! Eli returns the kiss.

Chapter 22
January 1778
Caleb takes his turn in the two hour picket rotation at midnight in below freezing temperatures. Most men have no shoes. Caleb's hut shares one threadbare coat. Caleb stands on the burlap sack, the only protection their bare feet have from the snowy, frozen ground. Caleb's own shoes are holding up but he suffers from starvation along with the rest of the army. Luckily, his new girlfriend Nancy has been coming to visit, bringing him hot tea or thin, watery soup while he stands guard at his post. Like Liesl and Rolf from The Sound of Music, Nancy asks Caleb to "write her a letter" which he promises to do. Next day, it occurs to Caleb that Billy Weems is probably here somewhere too. He should try to find him, Billy might have news about home as Caleb has neglected to write since he ran away. (Shame on you Caleb!)

Chapter 23
Nothing but moldy flour and water to make "firecakes" to eat. Billy helps a man write to his wife and family, a real letter the author included as an example of how valued education was back then. Eli visits Mary in the house donated to Dr. Folsom and his staff so their hospital conditions have slightly improved since he last saw her but Mary is troubled by the lack of food and medicine for these poor, dying men. She worries for Eli who is leaving to scout for Washington. Eli lifts her chin, reassuring her that he'll be just fine and makes her promise to take care of herself-he's not liking the sound of that persistent cough. Mary blushes and changes the subject to Eli's coat, the envy of every man in camp. Eli grins and tells Mary when he gets back, he'll make her one.

Chapter 24
February 1778
Eli returns from his scouting trip for food, as Washington requested. Hamilton and Laurens are also allowed to sit in on this meeting. Washington's been granted permission by Congress to seize anything usable from outlaying farms and villages. Plenty of food and supplies out there, only one problem, says Eli, no means to transport it back to their camp while the locals would rather sell to the British who offer better prices. (They only take British money, so sing a song of sixpence.) This is why everyone in Washington's camp is starving. Food is so close but they have no way to get it. The winter roads are also impassable. They might as well be trapped. 

Chapter 25
Martha "Lady Washington" arrives to lift everyone's spirits. Washington managed to establish new headquarters in a local house where he can properly receive guests. Alexander Hamilton escorts the General's Lady around the camp. (Did she really name her feral tomcat after him?) A widow who married George Washington at age 27 (thx Wiki) they are both now in their late 40's. This elect lady gets right to work visiting and administering to the sick. She requests her husband to send for flour and other supplies and gets right to work making soup and baking several loaves of bread which she personally delivers to the hospital (she was appalled at the conditions and the declining health of Mary Flint the day before). Mary helps her distribute the bounty. They visit a soldier and his wife as he lay sick and dying; Lady Washington prays over him. True story.

Chapter 26
Nancy visits Caleb in the middle of another freezing winter night as she's been doing for weeks as he takes his nightly picket rotation. She brings beef broth tonight. They talk about the future of Washington's army and Caleb shares what he's been recording in the orderly book. She gives him a letter in answer to the one he agreed to write her. He takes her in his arms and she kisses him back.
Nancy takes her leave and as soon as the early morning dawn provides sufficient light, Caleb rips it open. Nothing earth shattering in Nancy's letter-"My dearest, Caleb. I think about you all the time. How I long for this war to be over so we can be together always. I'm so proud of you...ect." and Caleb isn't cold anymore.
There's a new arrival in camp. Baron von Steuben from Germany, a true war hero who served under Frederick the Great. He's come to America with an interpreter to throw his lot in with General Washington and his army. Ben Franklin was influential in sending him over.

Chapter 27
February 1778
A rifle shot in the night awakens Caleb and the others in their hut. A picket confronted a suspicious man and shot him, wounding him in the leg. Caleb helps bring the man inside their hut for questioning. They strip him and find a note in the toe of his boot that looks like a coded message: "Wheat winnowed. Ready for grinding. Signed, Nathan Ferguson." Poor Caleb. He recognizes the "N" and "F" as Nancy's elegant handwriting. He compares this note with the letter she gave him the other night. They are the same. His girlfriend is a SPY! Turns out she's English, (Narrative never once mentioned if Nancy had an accent. We just assumed she was American; good job, Ron Carter!) but she DID like Caleb, even found herself falling in love with him. Caleb speaks to his superior officer on her behalf pleading for the lightest sentence possible. Nancy will be sent back to England instead of being hung as a traitor and a spy.

Chapter 28
Eli wakes Billy for his picket rotation. His own watch done, he's off to hunt a wolf for Mary's coat. He kills two and shares the carcasses with his starving friends who devour it and boil the bones for good measure. 
Baron von Steuben speaks frankly and openly to George Washington about the state of his army-it all sucks (hearing this, the eyebrows of Hamilton and Laurens nearly hit the ceiling) but he also proposes some helpful solutions. He will begin immediately to train these ragtags into a real, disciplined, morally strong, ready to fight army of soldiers. His secret? By explaining to these simple men the reasons why they are being made to learn and do these rigorous training exercises, they will obey. Washington thanks him, giving him full authority to carry out his plan and he is dismissed. Next item of business: Caleb and his superior officer are brought in to report on the discovery of the spy network in the camp. Private Dunson shows his brave and noble character for a boy of just seventeen; ready to sacrifice his puppy love for the good of the Revolution. Washington and his aides are silently impressed.

Chapter 29
April 1778
Eli discovers the spring fish, called Shad, are running and sounds the alarm for everyone to get to the Schuylkill river and catch them. Washington's army is saved from starvation-true story. The next day, orders for each regiment are issued-two men will report to the Baron to begin his military training lessons which they will then return and teach their own companies. Alexander Hamilton provided input into this new manual of arms and drill written by the Baron which someone else translated for both so they could exchange notes. 
Billy and Caleb finally run into each other and there's a good reunion. Billy invites Caleb to come to his hut so they can catch up.

Chapter 30
May 1778
Drilling continues under the stern eye of Baron von Steuben. Some men grumble about the Baron's new rule forbidding card playing and gambling. Washington, who enjoys a good game of whist himself, sets the example by telling Alexander Hamilton to destroy his own deck of cards. Hamilton also has good news. (Ev'ryone give it up for America's favorite fighting Frenchman!) Thanks to Lafayette, France has recognized them as free and independent states in a newly signed treaty. They are sending help in the form of a ship filled with armed men to aid them against their common enemy. Food has been acquired and just arrived. Washington tells Hamilton to supervise fair distribution among all the companies. Another item of business: one of Washington's Major Generals, Charles Lee, (I'm a General. Whee!) one of the British POWs recently exchanged will be arriving in camp today. Lady Washington has prepared a banquet to welcome him. 
Morale is up. The Baron is very proud of his new soldiers who have accepted him as one of their own. Their marching formation is perfect. They move and respond as one. They are ready. The Baron makes a funny joke about celebrating the end of their training with a banquet-sans pants-because every pair is worn so thin they might as well be wearing nothing at all!

Chapter 31
June 1778
Billy writes a long letter to his mother which includes the news of finding Caleb and the hard winter everyone experienced here in Valley Forge. Washington meets in a war council. They are ready and the time is ripe to engage the British. 
Caleb is finishing up his final days of training. Everyone is in a good mood. The weather is warm and they've become a stronger, better army. Then, up steps that Irishman, Conlin Murphy, who beat Caleb to a pulp on his very first day in the army last summer but thanks to Dorman, who is right there to observe notes to himself that Celeb is more than ready to step up and take on the bigger man. Caleb defeats Murphy, knocking him out with a solid blow to the jaw after breaking his nose. As men run for the doctor, Caleb does the Christian thing, washing the bully's face and staying with him until the medical team arrives. Murphy and Caleb have little to say to each other but later that night, by the campfire, Dorman and Caleb talk about being a bully and when to walk away from a fight.
Billy finds Eli wringing his hands over Mary. He LOVES her. He wants to MARRY her but fears it would never work. He's an introverted loner, a half-woodsman raised by Indians. She's a cultured city gal from a wealthy family. Billy and Turlock both hit Eli over the head with this good advice, "Why don't you just go talk to her (you idiot)?" So Eli does and Mary reassures him-if you love me that would be enough (look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now). They will get married and the honeymoon will be the trip north by canoe and on foot to Eli's sister's place where Eli is sure Mary will be more than welcomed into the family and be allowed to stay. Mary agrees to the plans.
But first, there's a battle that needs to be fought with the British. Billy and Turlock are happy for their friend. See you on the other side of the war.

Chapter 32
Dressed in his beaded, buckskin hunting shirt, leggings and moccasins, Eli reports to General Washington with Alexander Hamilton sitting in, as usual. Eli confirms the British are vulnerable to attack as they plan to move to Staten Island in New York which Washington wants to prevent. General Lee and his troops are already in position at Monmouth with strict written orders to engage the British and stop them from crossing the Harbor waters to Staten Island.
Washington sends Hamilton, Henry Knox and Eli to find out what's going on as Lee should've started his attack by now. Boom goes the cannon but no sounds of musket fire. The three scouts come galloping back to report Lee is in FULL RETREAT. An incredulous Washington mounts his white mare and rides to investigate. Washington, Von Stuben and another general (Not Lafayette) stop the men and organize them into two groups to take up defensive positions and attack. Thanks to the Baron's rigorous winter training at Valley Forge, they succeed.
Washington turns and nearly runs over a very confused and befuddled looking General Lee. (What are you doing, Lee? Get back on your feet!) Still caught up in his own bravado, Lee argues he received the wrong message from one of his scouts and felt the best order was retreat. Besides, HE never liked the Monmouth plan, HE thought they should attack Pittsburgh instead. 
Washington vents his righteous wrath against this man using language that would make a sailor blush. (But there's so many of them! I'm sorry, is this not your speed?) Shaking in his boots, Lee vows he'll obey orders this time by being the last to leave the field. Alexander Hamilton draws his sword and answers, "That's right, my dear General, and I will stay and we will all die here on the spot!" Hamilton stares Lee down, ensuring he won't run while Washington gallops off to organize more men into fighting ranks. 
It is a hot, sweltering, summer day. American cannons buck and roar. Among the gun crew are husband and wife "team" John Hayes and his wife, Mary. When John falls, his brave wife runs to bring him water. Other dehydrated men beg for water too. Mary makes several trips while the battle continues to rage all around her. With her husband lying dead, she steps up and takes over his position at the cannon for the remainder of the afternoon. This woman will go down in history as the famous "Molly Pitcher." In the morning, Washington's scouts report the British have abandoned their camp. They are the victors.
Several days later, Hamilton meets with Washington. There's a message from Lee, defending himself against his cowardly actions on the battlefield. (As far as this story is concerned, no duel was ever fought for Washington's honor over this incident and Lee never spoke out publicly against his commander in chief. Lee was court-martialed instead and that was it.) Chapter notes state The Battle of Monmouth is the only incident where Washington reportedly lost control in chastising an officer or soldier by resorting to profanity. 

Chapter 33
July 1778
The wedding of Eli Stroud to Mary Flint is held in a small courthouse. (Look into your eyes and the sky's the limit) They are married by real-life character Dr. Albigence Waldo, a major in the United States army, who is a bit nervous as this is his first time officiating at a wedding. Eli is wearing borrowed clothes-a white, ruffled shirt, royal blue tunic, breeches and square toed shoes. Mary is in a simple white cotton gown (Helpless!) that ten nurses hurried to make for her. The "I do's" are exchanged, they kiss and all in attendance cry. Billy gave Mary away. Sergeant Turlock was flower boy best man. Caleb was seated in the audience. It was a small and simple ceremony and everyone is happy for the newlyweds. They wave goodbye as Eli takes Mary's hand. Billy and Turlock hug them both one last time and everyone watches as Eli leads his bride off into the woods to begin their "Life's Journey" together.

THE END