The Indispensables: The Numerous Soldier-Mariners Who Formed the Nation, Fashioned the Navy, and Rowed Washington Throughout the Delaware

The acclaimed fight historian and creator of The Unknowns particulars the historical past of the Marbleheaders and their vital position within the Revolutionary Struggle.

On the stormy night time of August 29, 1776, the Continental Military confronted annihilation after dropping the Battle of Brooklyn. The British had trapped George Washington’s military in opposition to the East River, and the destiny of the Revolution rested upon the soldier-mariners from Marblehead, Massachusetts. One of many nation’s first numerous items, they pulled off an “American Dunkirk” and saved the military by navigating the treacherous river to Manhattan.

On the proper time in the best place, the Marbleheaders, a gaggle of white, black, Hispanic, and Native American troopers, repeatedly altered the course of occasions, and their story shines new gentle on our understanding of the American Revolution. As historian Patrick Ok. O’Donnell recounts, starting almost a decade earlier than the struggle began, Marbleheaders equivalent to Elbridge Gerry and Azor Orne spearheaded the break with Britain and helped form the US by means of governing, constructing alliances, seizing British ships, forging vital provide strains, and establishing the origins of the US Navy.

The Marblehead Regiment, led by John Glover, turned actually indispensable. Marbleheaders battled at Lexington and on Bunker Hill and shaped the elite Guard that protected George Washington, foreshadowing at this time’s Secret Service. Then the particular operations–like regiment, in opposition to all odds, conveyed 2,400 of Washington’s males throughout the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night time of 1776, delivering the shock assault on Trenton that modified the course of historical past . . .

The Marbleheaders’ story, by no means absolutely advised prior to now, makes The Indispensables a significant addition to the literature of the American Revolution.

Reward for The Indispensables

“Completely paced and powerfully wrought, that is the story of frequent males who gave every little thing for a really perfect—America. The product of meticulous analysis, The Indispensables is the right reminder of who we’re, once we want it most.” —Adam Makos, creator of the New York Instances bestseller A Greater Name

“O’Donnell’s reward for storytelling brings the as soon as well-known regiment again to life, as he takes readers from the best struggle councils to the grime and grit of battle.” —Dr. James Lacey, creator of The Washington Struggle

“Complete . . . Revolutionary Struggle buffs will delight within the copious particulars and vivid battle scenes.” —Publishers Weekly

“A vivid account of a formidable Revolutionary Struggle unit and a can’t-miss selection for followers of O’Donnell’s earlier books.” —Kirkus Evaluation