Braddock's March: How the Man Sent to Seize a Continent Changed American History,Used

Winner of the 2011 New York Society of Colonial Wars Distinguished Book AwardThe strength of this book lies in Crockers presentation of the battle and the complicated logistics involved.Times Literary Supplement Braddocks March is arguably the first truly comprehensive history devoted exclusively to the calamitous march that remade North America. . . . Braddocks story is superb history.Weekly Standard Drawing on original sources, Crocker grittily reconstructs the advance of Edward Braddocks army on Fort Duquesne. . . . Attentive to detail, Crocker will engage colonialhistory readers in this well illustrated book.BooklistBoth Braddocks epic march and subsequent destruction are brought to life by Thomas E. Crocker in Braddocks March, his impeccably researched account of an important but largely forgotten chapter in American history. . . . It all adds up to a stirring tale.Washington TimesBefore we parted, the General told me he should never see me more; for he was going with a handful of men to conquer whole nations; and to do this they must cut their way through unknown woods. He produced a map of the country, saying at the same time, Dear Pop, we are sent like sacrifices to the altar. George Anne Bellamy on General Edward Braddocks departureIn January 1755, Major General Edward Braddock was sent by Great Britain on a mission to drive France once and for all from the New World. Accompanied by the largest armed expeditionary force ever sent to North America, Braddocks primary target was the Forks of the Ohio, where he planned to seize Fort Duquesne (at presentday Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), and then march north into Canada. After landing in Alexandria, Virginia, and organizing his troops and supply chain, Braddock and his expedition began its nearly 250mile trek, heroically cutting through uncharted wilderness, fording rivers, and scaling the Appalachian mountains, all while hauling baggage and heavy artillery. Braddock was joined on this epic mission by a young Virginia colonel, George Washington, and others who would later play major roles in the American Revolution, including Horatio Gates, Thomas Gage, and Charles Lee; among those driving the expeditions wagons were Daniel Boone and Daniel Morgan. Having withstood the harsh frontier and finally marching upon Fort Duquesne on a hot July morning, Braddocks exhausted column was ambushed by a combined French and Indian force. Over twothirds of Braddocks British and colonial troops were killed or wounded, including Braddock himself, struck by a bullet in the chest while attempting to rally his disoriented troops. George Washington miraculously escaped harm despite four bullet holes through his clothing. With this battle, North America became the greatest stake in the global war between France and Great Britain.In Braddocks March: How the Man Sent to Seize a Continent Changed American History, Thomas E. Crocker tells the riveting story of one of the most important events in colonial America. Not only did Braddocks expedition have a profound impact on American political and military developments, this fateful march laid the foundation for the National Pike, the major road for westward expansion, launched the career of George Washington, and sowed the seeds of dissent between England and its colonies that would ultimately lead to the American Revolution.