According to 18th-century immigration authority Clifford Neal Smith, the vast majority of German and English soldiers who, for one reason or another, became separated from their Revolutionary War units, ended up settling within a few miles of their discharge, desertion, or capture (POWs). Mr. Smith drew his conclusion from a careful examination of muster rolls from 1774 to 1783, as found in the Public Record Office in London. This consolidated work, which is based on those records, identifies several thousand soldiers who fall into this category. The records are arranged by regiment and thereunder alphabetically by surname. For each soldier, the author has transcribed his full name, status (deserter, dischargee, or prisoner of war), a date, and the source of the information. For the overwhelming majority of these individuals, these records may be the sole clue that links them from America to their European homelan

Genealogists and other historical researchers have valued the first two editions of this work, often referred to as the genealogist's bible."" The new edition continues that tradition. Intended as a handbook and a guide to selecting, locating, and using appropriate primary and secondary resources, The Source also functions as an instructional tool for novice genealogists and a refresher course for experienced researchers. More than 30 experts in this field--genealogists, historians, librarians, and archivists--prepared the 20 signed chapters, which are well written, easy to read, and include many helpful hints for getting the most out of whatever information is acquired. Each chapter ends with an extensive bibliography and is further enriched by tables, black-and-white illustrations, and examples of documents. Eight appendixes include the expected contact information for groups and institutions that persons studying genealogy and history need to find. ""

Research techniques specific to the reader's own ancestors' national and ethnic backgrounds enable them to learn where and how to find information they need. Ethnic research techniques and ethnic resources make this book unique from any we've ever published. Ethnic research techniques lead researchers to records based on customs or migration patterns of specific ethnic groups. Ethnic resources are organized around national and cultural backgrounds rather than geography and social statuses such as married, divorced, sued, and so on. Clear, authoritative instruction typifies both the content of this book and the reputation of its author, Sharon DeBartolo Carmack.

"The names presented hereinafter have been taken from the huge collection of muster rolls in the British Record Office, archival group War Office 12, for the period beginning about 1774 (if the military unit was already stationed in America) to 1783 (when the British units were withdrawn from American soil at the end of the Revolution"--Introd.