Wednesday, June 09, 2010

The perils of reading a great book on public transportation

I am still reading the interesting Arundel by Kenneth Roberts. Around page 290 I get to what is a high point in the book only to have to start work. I picked it up after work and went to page 330
where the story picks up.

The book is a historical fiction account of Benedict Arnold's invasion of Quebec. Much of the material was covered in the book Through a Howling Wilderness reviewed on this blog a few months back.

Some important notes.

1) Most of the Revolutionary War's figures were hostile to ambivalent to Indians. The notable exceptions included General Schuyler who understood the importance of good relations with Native Americans. The Oneida and Stockbridge Indians earned their respect many times over.

2) In the case of Arnold's march through Maine one of his greatest failures was to hire Indian scouts to guide his party through the rugged terrain. More than likely most scouts would have tried to guide him through at an earlier time of the year before winter set in.

3) Gen Arnold and Daniel Morgan were brave sorts who were natural leaders. In the case of Arnold his later errors should not take away from his courage and achievements.

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