General William Maxwell and the New Jersey Continentals - (Contributions in Military Studies) by Harry Ward (Hardcover)

About the Book

The first biography of one of George Washington's most able and controversial generals examines the military career of William Maxwell from British army commissary to commander of the New Jersey Continental troops in major northern battles and campaigns and numerous confrontations with British incursionary forces into New Jersey. As Washington's first commander of the light infantry troops, Maxwell had crucial roles in the battles of Cooch's Bridge (Iron Hill), Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and Springfield, and led the New Jersey brigade in the Sullivan Indian expedition. Maxwell and his brigade frequently served as a probing arm for Washington's army. This book addresses the role of Maxwell as commander and describes the participation and ordeals of his New Jersey brigade. It offers insights into the quality of leadership both of Washington and the officer corps in general, giving a rare view of the Revolutionary War at the brigade level and the politics of command.

Book Synopsis

The first biography of one of George Washington's most able and controversial generals examines the military career of William Maxwell from British army commissary to commander of the New Jersey Continental troops in major northern battles and campaigns and numerous confrontations with British incursionary forces into New Jersey. As Washington's first commander of the light infantry troops, Maxwell had crucial roles in the battles of Cooch's Bridge (Iron Hill), Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and Springfield, and led the New Jersey brigade in the Sullivan Indian expedition. Maxwell and his brigade frequently served as a probing arm for Washington's army. This book addresses the role of Maxwell as commander and describes the participation and ordeals of his New Jersey brigade. It offers insights into the quality of leadership both of Washington and the officer corps in general, giving a rare view of the Revolutionary War at the brigade level and the politics of command.

Review Quotes

"Primarily of interest to military scholars and one of the series "Contributions in Military Studies," this new biography fills a gap in the study of operations and administration at the brigade level during the Revolutionary War and sheds light on the abilities and failings of one of its lesser-known generals."-

"Harry M. Ward fills that void and in the process documents the experiences of a brigade commander in the Continental Army. Biographies of individual commanders have always been a constituent part of military history, but Ward offers more....Ward does a good job describing the Revolution thoufh the eyes of Maxwell....The author clearly describes the constant skirmishing of the "Forage War of 1777.,.".The research is extensive, as the copious notes indicate....His character as an officer who did not hunt glory, who took care of his soldiers, and who participated in most of the campaigns in the northern states makes him worthy of a biography, and Harry Ward has filled that need well."-William and MAry Quarterly

?Harry M. Ward fills that void and in the process documents the experiences of a brigade commander in the Continental Army. Biographies of individual commanders have always been a constituent part of military history, but Ward offers more....Ward does a good job describing the Revolution thoufh the eyes of Maxwell....The author clearly describes the constant skirmishing of the "Forage War of 1777.,.".The research is extensive, as the copious notes indicate....His character as an officer who did not hunt glory, who took care of his soldiers, and who participated in most of the campaigns in the northern states makes him worthy of a biography, and Harry Ward has filled that need well.?-William and MAry Quarterly

?Harry Ward has written a book full of vivid details about a good soldier who made important contributions to the struggle for liberty.?-American Revolution Roundtable Newsletter

?Primarily of interest to military scholars and one of the series "Contributions in Military Studies," this new biography fills a gap in the study of operations and administration at the brigade level during the Revolutionary War and sheds light on the abilities and failings of one of its lesser-known generals.?-??

?Ward sees in Maxwell's independent commands distinctive performance and supports that contention with comments and evaluations from Maxwell's fellows. Ward presents the contrary evidence usually found in debates on performance under fire. Ward has seized a proper place for Maxwell and guaranteed it with a biography scarcely to be duplicated or superseded. General William Maxwell and the New Jersey Continentials belongs in public and academic libraries throughout America. College students will find in Ward's work the story of an American hero and a guide to sound historical research. Despite the college-level narrative, advanced high school students can meet the worthwhile challegene. Like Maxwell the general, Maxwell the biography is unshakable.?-Business Library Review

"Harry Ward has written a book full of vivid details about a good soldier who made important contributions to the struggle for liberty."-American Revolution Roundtable Newsletter

"Ward sees in Maxwell's independent commands distinctive performance and supports that contention with comments and evaluations from Maxwell's fellows. Ward presents the contrary evidence usually found in debates on performance under fire. Ward has seized a proper place for Maxwell and guaranteed it with a biography scarcely to be duplicated or superseded. General William Maxwell and the New Jersey Continentials belongs in public and academic libraries throughout America. College students will find in Ward's work the story of an American hero and a guide to sound historical research. Despite the college-level narrative, advanced high school students can meet the worthwhile challegene. Like Maxwell the general, Maxwell the biography is unshakable."-Business Library Review

About the Author

HARRY M. WARD is William Binford Vest Professor of History at the University of Richmond. He is author of a dozen books on colonial and Revolutionary America.