THE FORGOTTEN LEADERS OF THE REVOLUTION

by Howard Swiggett ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 7, 1955

The title of this rather undigested accumulation of notes on individuals of the period of the American Revolution seems a bit misleading, when one glances through some of the names:- Nathaniel Greene, John Jay, Livingston, Robert Morris, Edmund Randolph, Henry Knox, Lighthorse Harry Lee, Horatio Gates, Aaron Burr, the Pinckneys. Surely their claims to fame are greater than would be indicated here, where the outstanding link that connects most of them seems their faculty for accumulating personal debt, and in many instances a rather shadowy implication of not being all open and aboveboard. Howard Swiggett would seem to be a man of strong prejudices, that Henry Knox'role as a ""penniless leader"" overweighed his immense contribution in the organization of much from little as head of artillery. Or that Robert Morris' reputation as a juggler of high finance obliterated his invaluable handling of the financing of a war out of almost nothing. There are names for which the reader is indebted:- Jeremiah Wadsworth of Connecticut, commissary genius, has been known chiefly to scholars. Thomas Rodney has been dimmed by the greater glory of his brother Caesar. Livingston's memorable connection with the Louisiana Purchase is wellnigh forgotten. The final impression left is that here is material for further research, a notebook which was not quite ready to become a book.

Pub Date: April 7, 1955

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1955

Categories: NONFICTION