Glory Was in View: British Military Commanders of the American War of Independence 1775-83

Fine soldiers in a lost war

It is inevitable that the men and events of wars won endure in the public memory far longer than those that are lost. The history of America in the 18th century is confusing to many, because in the space of a few years those who were once allies and friends in shared adversity became bitter enemies. The British were seen by the emergent nation as ruthless and incompetent blackguards who were summarily rejected in the name of enlightenment and liberty. Predictably the truth is somewhat different. Upon reflection it is implausible that the same army that had fought so brilliantly during the Seven Years War in Europe and the New World and would demonstrate its superiority again against Napoleon's French should fall so appallingly. The British Army always had its share of brilliant and capable soldiers who served across all ranks and this excellent book recounts the careers of some of them in a most compelling way. Here are soldiers fighting a war in a huge landscape-outnumbered, under resourced and poorly supported by the home government in every way; here also are the men who lost America but saved Canada. Several would resign rather than fight a war they knew to be unwinnable; some were notable battlefield commanders who would fight against the odds only to fall, 'when glory was in view.' This book, originally published under the title Some British Soldiers in America, encourages a reconsideration of the role and performance of serving British soldiers who, irrespective of the cause, endeavoured to do their duty during the American War of Independence.
Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.