Well thanks for all this information guys it will come in very handy as my AWi collection grows. do you know any other good books on tthis war or just these early battles. I prefer books with eye witness accounts and good in depth study of the battles rather than unit formations and exact uniform and minute details. If you know any would be a good help.
Iwan
Iwan, this no exhaustive list, but it does list some excellent books readily available and currently in print.
One of the better overall histories of the AWI is “Almost a Miracle” by John Ferling. It runs about 600 pages and covers most every aspect of the war, its causes, and the immediate fallout of American Independence. I would say this might be your best overall modern history of the war. Ferling is also not an American cheerleader either, as he can be a little harsh with Washington and others.
As far as specific battles, these books would all be highly recommended. In chronological order, starting with “Saratoga” by John. Luzader. He is a former National Park service employee who is very familiar with the battlefield itself. Excellent campaign history from both sides, with a wealth of information included even before the two actual battles of Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights. Also includes good coverage of St. Leger’s campaign, Indian activities, and the Battles of Hubbardton and Bennington. Decent maps and a large number of appendices listing order of battle, ect.
Next, the two volume set, “The Philadelphia Campaign” by Thomas J. McGuire. Probably the most detailed account of this campaign, included Battles of Brandywine and Germantown, that I have seen. The two books could use some more maps for sure, but this author probably relies more on first-hand accounts than most authors. Also, keep a good order of battle handy, because he refers to different regiments or even brigades so often it can be hard to follow at times.
Lastly, my absolute favorites, two books by Lawrence Babits, a history professor and archeologist. His two books, “A Devil of a Whipping” and “Long, Obstinate, and Bloody” cover the Battles of Cowpens and Guilford Courthouse respectively. You won’t find another author who delves so deep into historical records such as pension applications and muster rolls. In fact, there are whole sections in each book detailing the makeup of American militia units, such as how many men from which county. So much detail that some of it was a drag to get through. However, with that amount of research, plus insights gained from his archeological work, you won’t find a more detailed analysis of these battles anywhere. Once you get to the actual battles in the narrative, it makes for really great, yet detailed reading.
If you are wanting something specific to the British Army, try the previously mentioned book by Matthew Spring, "With Zeal and With Bayonets Only". This is a good look at the British Army in the AWI, with specific sections on tactics, motivation, and firepower, to name a few. This is no list of uniforms by any means. This book is a very detailed look at specific battles and how the British Army adapted, or failed to do so, based on its experience in the AWI. This is another highly recommended work.
Hope that this helps get you started.
Noah
:tongue: