Book Description

This is the complete account of New Jersey's important role in the American Revolutionary War, as only the accomplished novelist and historian Alfred Hoyt Bill could tell it. Not only does he survey the major military developments, but he also covers the social and economic effects of the war in New Jersey. Bill tells the story of the war and provides in-depth explanations of war-related problems--victory and defeat, Jerseymen defecting to the British, recruitment difficulties, troop discipline problems, the outbreak of disease and a smallpox epidemic--everything that led to the eventual surrender of Cornwallis. Bill introduces us to the people who were responsible for winning the war and shaping the future of our country, people such as George Washington, General Hugh Mercer, Thomas Paine, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe, and Thomas Marshall. He also portrays other colorful figures, such as Benedict Arnold, and British officers, including Howe, Cornwallis, and Rall. Alfred Bill has produced that rare species of history book that reads like an exciting adventure story. He not only presents the facts, but clearly illumninates them with pertinent background information. Clearly written and highly readable, this book will be enjoyed by everyone from students to serious historians.