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INTRODUCTION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Although this book stands on its own merits, it should be recognized as a sequel to Volume I, A dirty, trifling piece of business, which describes the Canadian campaign of 1781 against the United States’ frontiers. Like the first volume, I am heartily ashamed will appeal to students of the American Revolution in Canada and the northern United States.

After closing off the 1781 campaign, Volume II moves through an incredibly fierce Quebec winter during which Governor Haldimand receives alarming reports of a possible Franco-American invasion and spurs his Secret Service into action to measure the risks.

Early in the new year, the sparring between New York and Vermont reaches a critical stage when New Yorkers at Sancoick in the so-called Western Union throw their support behind Vermont and create an uproar that comes extremely close to open warfare.

The 1782 Canadian campaign opens with a resumption of raids against the rebel frontiers, but, unlike the year before, the defence of the Mohawk region falls into disarray when New York’s Colonel Marinus Willett jousts for command control with Lieutenant-Colonel George Reid, a New Hampshire Continental.

A major strategic initiative by Haldimand is to repossess Oswego, which his troops accomplish with great secrecy and energy. And, to further keep the rebels off balance, he assigns large elements of the Canadian army to strengthen the fortifications at Isle aux Noix.

Because of Ross’s costly expedition of the previous October, the governor contents himself with less ambitious and dangerous ventures, allowing two prominent Mohawk war captains, John Deserontyon and Joseph Brant, to lead large raids into the Mohawk Valley supported by British and Provincial Regulars. The native leaders create great challenges for the rebels by their bold, far ranging assaults.

In mid-summer, the new British ministry suddenly announces a cessation of active operations which is soon followed by news of peace negotiations. As the war draws to a close, far too many issues are left unresolved and the natives and loyalists face a time of great unrest, despair, and upheaval.

Mohawk Valley expert, James F. Morrison, and Butler’s Rangers’ specialist, William A. Smy, contributed extensively to this volume. I owe both a great debt of gratitude.

Ken D. Johnson of Fort Plain was very helpful, especially with details of Oswego. Justin Boggess assisted with the analysis of the German troops. Jeff O’Connor of Schoharie, Neil Goodwin of Vermont, and John A. Houlding, the British Army guru, were also most helpful.

John W. Moore and my son Gavin provided extensive service with artwork and photography. Particularly notable was the professional assistance and guidance so freely offered by graphics designer Chris Armstrong with the enhancement of images and maps and, once again, with the design of the book’s cover.

Gavin K. Watt

Museum of Applied Military History

King City, Ontario, Canada, 2009