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Like all authors, I amassed a tremendous debt of gratitude during the production of this volume. The many persons who contributed to the fulfillment of this work are too numerous to individually credit here. However, some deserve singular recognition.

This book grew out of my doctoral dissertation, completed at the University of Houston. All historians are products of their education and teachers. Thus, an acknowledgment of the most influential individuals who helped me mold my career is in order. First and foremost, I would like to thank my academic advisor and friend, James Kirby Martin, Professor of History, University of Houston, who gave unstintingly of his time and expertise to inspire and motivate me in this effort. While I was his student and graduate assistant, he demonstrated to me the attributes of a true scholar—devoted to teaching, research, and writing. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have become associated with him and reaped the benefits of his knowledge and guidance. He will always stand in my estimation as the epitome of an educator and someone whom I aspire to emulate. A special word of appreciation also goes to Joseph Glatthaar, Chair, Department of History, University of Houston, who materially contributed to my endeavor through his renowned scholarship in military history.

This work could not have been written without access to the document collections of various research institutions and archives. The David Library of the American Revolution serves as the only depository and facility dedicated exclusively to this period of American history. I am greatly indebted to its President and Director, Ezra Stone, and its Director of Research, David J. Fowler, for their personal and professional association and the use of their fine resource center. The archival staffs at the New York Public Library, New-York Historical Society, and Princeton University Library were extremely competent and helpful in making available pertinent materials in their possession.

Funding played a significant role in bringing this book to fruition. I would like to express my gratitude to the University of Houston for the Robert Giesberg Award for Outstanding Teaching Fellow (1988), the Murry A. Miller Graduate Student Scholarship (1988-89), and the Graduate Student Research and Activity Scholarship (1989); and to the David Library of the American Revolution for its research grant (1988).

New York University Press served as the midwife of the manuscript. The finished product is due to the outstanding skill of its highly professional staff: Colin Jones, Director; Niko Pfund, Editor-in-Chief; Despina Papazoglou Gimbel, Managing Editor; and Jennifer Hammer, Assistant Editor. All patiently worked with me to convert my rough drafts into a comprehensible and publishable work.

Finally, I wish to thank my family—Myrtle Lynn Shelton, mother; Sutthida (Toi) Shelton, wife; Shane Shelton, son; Scott and Darla Shelton, son and daughter-in-law; Sheila and Derek Matthys, daughter and son-in-law—for their understanding and support. A writer’s task is sometimes a solitary one. These loved ones endured abandonment on many occasions in allowing me the time to complete my work.