Guns For General Washington

Henry Knox is known for his role as the chief artillery officer of the Continental Army. Before the war, Knox was a bookseller in Boston with an interest in military science, particularly artillery. His extensive reading and self-education on military topics earned him the rank of colonel in the Continental Army’s artillery regiment. Though he had no formal military training, Knox’s intellectual curiosity and dedication led him to become one of General Washington’s most trusted advisors.

Knox’s most famous contribution came during the winter of 1775-1776 when he was tasked with transporting captured artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. This mission, often referred to as the “noble train of artillery,” involved moving 59 cannons and other heavy equipment over 300 miles of harsh terrain, including frozen rivers, mountainous regions, and deep snow. Knox’s successful completion of this mission allowed George Washington to fortify Dorchester Heights, a strategic position overlooking Boston and its harbor, ultimately forcing the British to evacuate the city. In the book, Henry Knox is characterized as a determined, resourceful, and highly capable leader. The safety of his team was always paramount, as is shown when he has a man follow the cannons across the ice with an axe, ready to cut the ropes if the ice begins to crack. This careful attention to detail reflects Knox’s understanding of the dangers involved and his commitment to minimizing risks. It also demonstrates his practical approach to leadership, where he balanced ambition with caution, ensuring that the mission was completed successfully without unnecessary loss or injury.

His ability to overcome logistical challenges and his dedication to the cause earned him the trust and respect of General Washington and other leaders. After the war, Knox continued his service to the newly formed United States and eventually became the country’s first Secretary of War.

William Knox, known as Will, was the younger brother of Colonel Henry Knox. Although less experienced than his brother, Will contributed his own ideas and energy to the task at hand. Throughout the journey, Will took on various responsibilities. He was often in charge of directing the movement of the artillery, ensuring that the equipment and animals were properly managed, and helping to solve the numerous challenges that arose along the way. When Henry had to leave the convoy to report to General Washington, Will stepped into a leadership role to keep the mission on track. He managed the day-to-day operations of the convoy, overseeing the movement of the artillery and ensuring that the men stayed motivated and focused despite the harsh conditions.

Will was a loyal and supportive brother, willing to take on significant risks and responsibilities. He often worked alongside Henry, helping to overcome the obstacles they encountered, from navigating treacherous terrain to managing the morale of their men. He was able to think quickly in moments of crisis, such as when he narrowly saved young J.P. Becker from a runaway cannon. He was willing to endure the same hardships as the rest of the team, never shying away from difficult or dangerous tasks, whether it was hauling heavy cannons through deep snow or working late into the night to ensure everything was in place.

Before becoming the first president of the United States, George Washington was the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Washington is portrayed not only as a military leader but also as a fatherly figure, guiding and supporting his officers and soldiers through the challenges they face. When Colonel Henry Knox presents his ambitious plan to retrieve artillery from Fort Ticonderoga, Washington acknowledges the doubts of other officers but reassures Knox, encouraging him to “[g]o ahead, Henry. Go ahead and try” (35). This encouragement reflects Washington’s nurturing leadership style, as he instilled confidence in his subordinates and supported them in undertaking difficult tasks.

His decision to place artillery on Dorchester Heights is an example of his practical military planning. By moving the cannons to the heights and fortifying the position with fascines and sand-filled barrels, Washington aimed to put pressure on the British forces without direct confrontation. This action was a key part of the larger strategy to force the British to evacuate Boston, showing Washington’s focus on positioning and preparation to achieve his objectives. Washington’s careful timing of the move, coinciding with a diversionary bombardment from other rebel positions, further demonstrates his strategic thinking in coordinating complex operations to outmaneuver the British. This maneuver ultimately compelled the British to withdraw from the city, a significant turning point in the early stages of the war.

Paul Revere Jr. was a young, resourceful teenager living in Boston in 1775. He was the son of Patriot leader Paul Revere. While his family fled to Philadelphia, Paul Revere Jr. stayed behind to protect the Revere family home from being seized or looted by British forces. The presence of a family member in the house often deterred the British from occupying or destroying properties. He wanted to join the army and contribute more directly to the Patriot cause, but his father’s instructions were clear—he was to remain in Boston and safeguard their home.

Through his friendship with Will Knox, Paul received updates on the progress of the mission, which provided him with a sense of involvement and hope. Living under martial law in a city controlled by British forces, Paul had limited access to reliable information. He frequently turned to Old Toby, an old sailor and a valuable source of news and gossip. Old Toby provided Paul with updates on British activities, the status of the war, and the morale of both sides. This information kept him informed and connected to the larger revolutionary efforts, even as he faced the isolation and dangers of living in an enemy-occupied city.

General William Howe was a British military officer during the Revolutionary War. As the commander of British forces in Boston, Howe was tasked with maintaining control over the city and quelling the growing colonial resistance. The situation in Boston quickly became a stalemate, with Howe’s forces effectively besieged by American troops, leading to a prolonged and tense period of inactivity.

Howe faced challenges in supplying a garrison in a hostile environment, relying on reinforcements and supplies from Britain. The arrival of marines in December 1775 provided a boost, but it was not enough to tip the balance in Howe’s favor. The situation worsened when a convoy carrying supplies and troops was scattered by a hurricane and redirected to the British West Indies, leaving Howe with fewer resources than expected. These logistical hurdles, along with the harsh New England winter, influenced Howe’s cautious approach. He recognized that any military operation came with risks, especially considering the fragile state of his supply lines and the tough weather conditions. Howe’s choice to postpone offensives showed his concern about maintaining his position in Boston and his hesitancy to engage in a battle that could further strain his already limited resources.