Guns For General Washington

Major General Sir William Howe, the British commander overseeing the siege of Boston, is in a bad mood because of the ongoing stalemate. Howe surveys the harbor, noting the array of British warships and defenses that have successfully isolated Boston with a blockade. However, he is acutely aware that the rebel stronghold in nearby Cambridge remains out of reach. He dismisses the colonial forces as a motley group of traitors yet grudgingly acknowledges their bravery and effectiveness in battle. Compounding Howe’s troubles are the logistical challenges facing his troops. The general is also aware of the ridicule directed at his forces back in England, where the lack of progress has become the subject of mockery. Howe finds solace in the expectation of reinforcements from England, which he believes will turn the tide in favor of the British and crush the rebellion.

General George Washington grapples with the challenging conditions facing the Continental Army during the siege of Boston. The army, composed of a diverse and undisciplined group of volunteers, is poorly organized and ill-equipped. Washington, with his disciplined military mindset, recognizes the need to impose order and discipline to transform the disorganized group into a credible fighting force. The army faces an impending harsh winter with inadequate supplies of clothing, shelter, and, crucially, gunpowder and artillery. As Washington surveys Boston from Prospect Hill, he sees the British forces entrenched, protected by their superior firepower. Both sides are at a deadlock: The rebels control the land surrounding Boston, but without artillery, they cannot dislodge the British. Conversely, the British, lacking sufficient manpower, cannot break out of their siege. Washington knows that a victory is essential to boost the morale of his troops and sustain the revolutionary cause, but he is uncertain whether his army can achieve it before time runs out.

Boston has become a ghostly, oppressive place under British martial law. Paul Revere Jr., a 15-year-old living in Boston, has narrowly escaped a British soldier who tried to apprehend him as he walked the streets of Boston. Many of its residents, including Paul’s own family, have fled. Paul’s father, the famous patriot Paul Revere, is hiding in Philadelphia, leaving Paul behind to safeguard their home from looting redcoats. Though he wishes to join the army, Paul remains dutiful, following his father’s instructions to stay and manage the household.

Paul receives a secret nighttime visit from Will, who snuck into the city from the rebel camp. Will tells Paul about some of the issues that the army is facing, like the lack of gunpowder and cannons necessary to challenge the British hold on Boston. However, Will hints at a bold plan his brother Henry is proposing to the War Council, though he keeps the details vague.

The War Council meets in Cambridge, where Henry Knox, a well-liked and confident officer known for his enthusiasm and courage, presents his daring proposal. Henry, who previously ran a bookshop in Boston and became an expert on artillery through his studies and discussions with military men, outlines a plan to transport the captured cannons and other artillery pieces from Fort Ticonderoga to the rebel forces in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The officers present at the meeting react with skepticism, questioning the feasibility of moving such heavy weaponry over 300 miles of difficult terrain. They doubt the practicality of the endeavor, considering the lack of roads and bridges and the severe weather challenges that Henry would face.

General George Washington supports Knox’s plan, though, recognizing the desperate need for artillery to bolster the colonial forces. Excited by the approval, Henry rushes to share the news with his younger brother, who eagerly joins the mission.

On November 28, 1775, the Knox brothers set out from their camp, embarking on a treacherous journey through rugged wilderness, icy rivers, and mountainous terrain with the goal of bringing back the cannons. Their first stop is in Worcester, where Henry bids farewell to his wife, Lucy. The weather grows colder and the journey more challenging as they proceed, crossing into New York and reaching Albany by December 1. There, General Philip Schuyler, although skeptical of the plan, provides them with the necessary support. After preparing supplies and equipment in Albany, the brothers push onward toward Fort Ticonderoga.

After a challenging ride through the wilderness, they finally reached Fort Ticonderoga on December 4. To their relief and joy, they find the fort stocked with an impressive array of artillery, including iron and brass cannons, mortars, howitzers, and other supplies. Henry immediately sets to work organizing the transport of the cannons. He recruits a team of experienced men who are accustomed to the harsh conditions they would face. They also prepare a fleet of boats to carry the heavy artillery down Lake George.

Loading the flat-bottomed boats is a laborious process involving dismantling and carefully balancing the heavy cannons to ensure safe passage. On December 9, 1775, the convoy sets sail, with Will leading the first barge and Henry moving between the vessels in a fast piragua. The journey begins smoothly, aided by a strong wind, but the harsh winter conditions present constant hazards. As dusk approaches, disaster strikes when Will accidentally allows his barge to run aground on hidden rocks. The barge is damaged but repairable, and after a tense period of recovery and repairs, the convoy finds refuge at a sheltered cove for the night.

That night, the camp is briefly alarmed by the appearance of a group of Algonquins, who turn out to be friendly and offer a gift of venison. The next morning, the convoy continues but soon encounters another obstacle when the wind shifts direction, making progress difficult. Will rallies the men to row against the headwind, an arduous task that significantly slows their progress.

Meanwhile, Henry, who had already reached Fort George, grows increasingly anxious as he waits for news of the convoy. A rider he sent out returns with reports of another barge accident but reassures Henry that the convoy is still moving. The delay, coupled with a thick fog that enveloped the lake, heightens Henry’s fears that his plan might fail. Just as Henry is about to lose hope, he hears a faint song through the fog, signaling the arrival of the convoy.

The pilots who had navigated the boats across the lake are paid and dismissed, and a new group of men, experienced in handling horses and oxen, joins the team. A farmer named Becker also joins the group, and his son J.P. becomes the youngest member. A platoon of soldiers is assigned to the convoy to ensure its security.

General Schuyler has kept his promise, sending numerous carts and sleds from Albany. Once the preparations are complete, Henry writes to General Washington, updating him on the mission’s progress. In his letter, Henry expresses relief that the cannons have successfully crossed the lake. He informs Washington that they have prepared 42 strong sleds and secured 80 yoke of oxen to transport the artillery as far as Springfield, Massachusetts. Henry hopes for a fresh snowfall to ease the journey and optimistically estimates that they will deliver the artillery to Washington soon.