"The original research presented here focuses on the experience of the Pennsylvania militia formations established and evolving over the course of the French and Indian War, and during the subsequent years of Pontiacs War, from 1754 to 1765. In particular, the Black Boys Uprising of 1765 in the Conococheague Region of Pennsylvania serves as the index case, the first time American militiamen successfully defeated British regulars by employing adaptive hybrid tactics combined with accurate long-range rifle fires. This event demonstrates the means by which American militia might achieve tactical parity with British regulars." [Clark Summers in his review of the book, https://digitalcommons.salve.edu/dissertations/AAI10982011/]
Includes bibliographical references (pages 247-258) and indexes.
Contents
A peace treaty is signed, the war begins -- British intrigues in Congress -- The British capture of Philadelphia -- Occupied Philadelphia : the British move in -- The Major John Clark Jr. spy ring -- Occupied Philadelphia : the British move out -- Chasing a fox -- Commuter spies : New York and Philadelphia -- Spies along the Susquehanna River : Lancaster, Muncy, and York -- The traitor and the merchant -- Pittsburgh : Pennsylvania's frontier -- European adventures -- More British intrigues in Congress.
Summary
Philadelphia played a key role in the history of spying during the American Revolution because it was the main location for the Continental Congress, was occupied by the British Command, and then returned to Continental control. Philadelphia became a center of spies for the British and Americansas well as double agents. George Washington was a firm believer in reliable military intelligence; after evacuating New York City, he neglected to have a spy network in place: when the British took over Philadelphia, he did not make the same mistake, and Washington was able to keep abreast of British troop strengths and intentions. Likewise, the British used the large Loyalist community around Philadelphia to assess the abilities of their Continental foes, as well as the resolve of Congress. In addition to describing techniques used by spies and specific events, such as the Major Andre episode, Nagy has scoured rare primary source documents to provide new and compelling information about some of the most notable agents of the war, such as Lydia Darragh, a celebrated American spy.An important contribution to Revolutionary War history, Spies in the Continental Capital: Espionage Across Pennsylvania During the American Revolution demonstrates that intelligence operations on both sides emanating from Pennsylvania were vast, well-designed, and critical to understanding the course and outcome of the war.
Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography ; v. 141, no. 1
Summary
Abstract: Introducing a fresh metric—general courts-martial per thousand fit-for-duty troops—this article expands Valley Forge historiography by quantifying trial incidence in a forty-two-month context to suggest military justice played a significantly greater role over the winter of privation than previously thought. Courts-martial discipline, the essay argues, served as General Washington's fundamental instrument of command and control until drillmaster Baron von Steuben's iconic parade-ground regimen took hold. As Washington's unheralded "courtroom von Steuben," Judge Advocate General John Laurance superintended rule of military law over eighty tattered Valley Forge regiments by diligently enforcing the 1776 Articles of War among private soldiers, officers, and civilians alike.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [309]-351) and index.
Contents
I. The New World -- II. The Gathering Storm -- III. Cambridge and Boston -- IV. New York City -- V. The New Jersey Campaign -- VI. Fort Pitt -- VII. Wyoming -- VIII. The Sullivan Expedition -- IX. Yorktown -- X. Newburgh and New Windsor -- XI. Lancaster -- Rock Ford -- Afterword -- Appendix A & B.
