Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The Battle of Lake George was the final battle of the French and Indian War, and it was a victory for the British. The Americans were able to capture Fort Ticonderoga, which gave them access to the cannons stored there. #2 The American army surrounded Boston in 1776, but they lacked artillery to take the British-held Fort Ticonderoga. Benedict Arnold was tasked with taking the fort, but he had no idea how to get the cannons to the men who needed them. #3 Henry Knox, the son of a failed shipbuilder, was hired by Messrs. Wharton and Bowes to work at their bookshop in south Boston. He took on the job with secret pride, believing he could save the family from financial ruin and restore the Knox name. #4 Henry’s father, William Knox, was a successful merchant who made money building ships for 25 to 50 percent less than England due to the availability of cheap labor and lumber. The Irishman prospered, buying a wharf in Boston Harbor, a construction yard, and a picturesque, two-story, wood sided home with a gambrel roof and two fireplaces on Sea Street.

The inspiring story of a little-known hero's pivotal role in the American Revolutionary WarDuring the brutal winter of 1775-1776, an untested Boston bookseller named Henry Knox commandeered an oxen train hauling sixty tons of cannons and other artillery from Fort Ticonderoga near the Canadian border. He and his men journeyed some three hundred miles south and east over frozen, often-treacherous terrain to supply George Washington for his attack of British troops occupying Boston. The result was the British surrender of Boston and the first major victory for the Colonial Army. This is one of the great stories of the American Revolution, still little known by comparison with the more famous battles of Concord, Lexington, and Bunker Hill. Told with a novelist's feel for narrative, character, and vivid description, The Noble Train brings to life the events and people at a time when the ragtag American rebels were in a desperate situation. Washington's army was withering away from desertion and expiring enlistments. Typhoid fever, typhus, and dysentery were taking a terrible toll. There was little hope of dislodging British General Howe and his 20,000 British troops in Boston—until Henry Knox arrived with his supply convoy of heavy armaments. Firing down on the city from the surrounding Dorchester Heights, these weapons created a decisive turning point. An act of near desperation fueled by courage, daring, and sheer tenacity led to a tremendous victory for the cause of independence.This exciting tale of daunting odds and undaunted determination highlights a pivotal episode that changed history.

A comprehensive biography of military tactician and later the nation's first Secretary of War, Henry Knox, that chronicles his childhood, military service with the Boston Grenadier Corps, and appointment to Washington's cabinet.

Before Washington crossed the Delaware, Henry Knox crossed Massachusetts in winter—with 59 cannons in tow. In 1775 in the dead of winter, a bookseller named Henry Knox dragged 59 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston—225 miles of lakes, forest, mountains, and few roads. It was a feat of remarkable ingenuity and determination and one of the most remarkable stories of the revolutionary war. In Henry and the Cannons the perils and adventure of his journey come to life through Don Brown's vivid and evocative artwork.

Discusses activities relating to the transport of artillery captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga earlier that year. Comments on difficulties of getting the ordnance over Lake George. Mentions that he has obtained sleds and oxen. He will use the oxen to drag the artillery to Springfield, where he will get new animals to drag them the rest of the way to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Explains the route and speculates on potential for either progress or hardship. Expects to arrive in Cambridge in 16-17 days. Sends an inventory of the artillery from Ticonderoga and the pieces requested from Colonel Alexander McDougall in New York (not included). Explains arrangements with McDougall and seeks Washington's approval for them (see GLC02437.00220; also GLC02437.00212). Discusses activities in Canada in regard to Colonel Benedict Arnold and British Colonel Allan McLean. Closes by noting that he believes General Richard Montgomery is in possession of Quebec. [Knox was wrong about this.] Written from Fort George in Lake George, New York. Knox's retained working draft. Docket is written in another hand.