Valcour
The 1776 Campaign That Saved the Cause of Liberty
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ISBN10: 125024711X
ISBN13: 9781250247117
Hardcover
304 Pages
$28.99
CA$38.50
During the summer of 1776, a British incursion from Canada loomed. In response, citizen soldiers of the newly independent nation mounted a heroic defense. Patriots constructed a small fleet of gunboats on Lake Champlain in northern New York and confronted the Royal Navy in a desperate three-day battle near Valcour Island. Their effort surprised the arrogant British and forced the enemy to call off their invasion.
Jack Kelly's Valcour is a story of people. The northern campaign of 1776 was led by the underrated general Philip Schuyler (Hamilton's father-in-law), the ambitious former British officer Horatio Gates, and the notorious Benedict Arnold. An experienced sea captain, Arnold devised a brilliant strategy that confounded his slow-witted opponents.
America’s independence hung in the balance during 1776. Patriots endured one defeat after another. But two events turned the tide: Washington’s bold attack on Trenton and the equally audacious fight at Valcour Island. Together, they stunned the enemy and helped preserve the cause of liberty.
Reviews
Praise for Valcour
"With vivid writing and wonderful character development, Jack Kelly sheds light on a forgotten episode . . . This is historical writing at its best."—Terry Golway, author of Washington's General
“Vivid . . . Kelly does us all a service by giving this crucial but oft-overlooked story a just telling.”—James C. Rentfrow, Ph.D., author of Home Squadron
"Must reading for everyone interested in how a critical military campaign and pivotal battle on Lake Champlain set the stage for American victory in the War for Independence. Beautifully written, Valcour deserves and will command a wide readership. Highly recommended."—James Kirby Martin, author of the award-winning Benedict Arnold, Revolutionary Hero: An American Warrior Reconsidered
"A boon for fans of Revolutionary-era military history."—Kirkus Reviews
"Kelly adeptly describes the lake battles and offers plenty of insight into the principal combatants."—Booklist
"Kelly . . . gathers stirring accounts of heroism on both sides of the conflict."—Publisher's Weekly
Reviews from Goodreads
BOOK EXCERPTS
Read an Excerpt
1
The Last Man
On the mild evening of one of the longest days of 1776, a brigadier general of the rebel army strode the bank of the Richelieu River. He barked orders and urged on the beleaguered troops. A soldier,...
About the author
Jack Kelly
