Friday, October 15, 2010

Winter at Morristown, 1779-1780


This book provides a detailed description of the Morristown, N.J., encampment of the Continental Army during the winter of 1779-80, and the various operations and combats in northeastern New Jersey between the Americans and the British, Hessian, and Loyalist forces quartered chiefly on Staten Island. I have to say that I am a big fan of the publications of this small press, which set a standard for high scholarship and outstanding graphical representation of the locales and events described. The author theorizes that Arnold's treachery actually saved the Revolution.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

2,500th Anniversary of the Battle of Marathon


Above: Tymvos (burial mound) of the 192 Athenians who died in the battle.

"They took up their position, and when the sacrifices proved propitious the Athenians were given the signal and advanced on the barbarians at the run." -- Herodotus

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Second Battle of Manassas


This sketch shows the battle (Aug. 30, 1862) from the Henry House Hill behind the Union center, looking northwest toward the Union right and right center on the Dogan Ridge. The Stone House is in the foreground, and Reynolds' Division is marching to reinforce the Union left. Remarkably, today, you can stand in the spot from which the sketch was made and re-imagine the scene much as it was when the artist worked it. I would hope you have the opportunity. I've never been to Manassas Battlefield when the sky was not crystal clear and the view toward the Bull Run Mountains and Thoroughfare Gap was not as distinct as suggested here.