General William Maxwell and the New Jersey Continentals

The first biography of one of George Washington’s most able and controversial generals examines the military career of William Maxwell from British army commissary to commander of the New Jersey Continental troops in major northern battles and campaigns and numerous confrontations with British incursionary forces into New Jersey. As Washington’s first commander of the light infantry troops, Maxwell had crucial roles in the battles of Cooch’s Bridge (Iron Hill), Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and Springfield, and led the New Jersey brigade in the Sullivan Indian expedition. Maxwell and his brigade frequently served as a probing arm for Washington’s army. This book addresses the role of Maxwell as commander and describes the participation and ordeals of his New Jersey brigade. It offers insights into the quality of leadership both of Washington and the officer corps in general, giving a rare view of the Revolutionary War at the brigade level and the politics of command.