Book Description

Nathanael Greene was the strategist of the American Revolution. His role in the War for Independence was second only to General George Washington. Born and reared a Quaker, with no military experience, he was promoted from private to brigadier general over night. Greene quickly became Washington's confidant and close friend. He was chosen by the Commander to lead the Continental Army should Washington be killed, injured, or taken captive. Nathanael's vivacious wife Caty, a favorite of the Washingtons, added brightness to the dark, dreary existence of camp life. She proved to be a source of joy and comfort to her husband throughout the war--as well as a heartache and challenge. It was General Nathanael Greene who pulled the Continental Army from the throes of death at Valley Forge. It was General Greene who petitioned Congress for a Declaration of Independence. It was Nathanael Greene who was given the desperate task of commanding the Southern Department of the Continental Army after other commanders had failed. It was Greene who drove British General Cornwallis to surrender at Yorktown. Unable to participate or witness the victorious battle, he was forced to immediately return South with his troops, and subdue the remaining British forces. Greene led his troops in battle and laid siege for a year after the victory at Yorktown. His persistence finally forced the British to evacuate the South. George Washington and Nathanael Greene were the only general officers who served in that position throughout the war. Greene led his men in more battles than any other general officer, including Washington. Moreover, it was Greene who was constantly harassed by Congress, and ultimately forsaken by them. Three years after the official end of the war, Nathanael Greene was dead. His premature death was not only a result of the intense hardships of war, but the hardships and cruelty inflicted on him by the United States Congress. Janet Uhlar was born in Quincy, Massachusetts--the hometown of John Adams, John Quincy Adams, John Hancock, and Josiah Quincy, Jr. Through her works of biographical-fiction, she hopes to present the extraordinary stories of forgotten heroes of the American Revolution. Janet firmly believes that when the private lives and unique personalities of historical figures are presented, and the dynamics between these characters brought out, history becomes much more than cold black print on a stark white page. History takes on a life of its own, with true flesh and blood individuals whose acts of courage, indifference, or cowardice shaped the world we live in today. This living history helps us relate to those who have gone before--offering inspiration, courage, and a sense of determination. Janet is also the author of Liberty's Martyr: The Story of Dr. Joseph Warren. She lives on Cape Cod in Massachusetts.