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Among the historical books of 1901, I know none more interesting or
valuable than Mr. CODMAN’S, and it is greatly to be regretted that he
did not live to witness its deserved success.
Mr. WINSTON CHURCHILL (author of _The Crisis_) says: “This book richly
deserves the prominent notice given it (by a leading literary journal).
It revives a most important and glorious episode in the history of this
country, and every American will be the better for reading of the heroic
struggles of Arnold’s men across the wilderness. It is a book which
seems essential to every library.”
But the author failed to fully recognize his opportunity for
illustrating the story, giving portraits of only four of the twenty or
more officers of the expedition.
In my edition I insert _thirteen additional portraits, several of which
have never appeared before, and nine other illustrations_.
The biographical notices of the original have been extended wherever
possible. These various improvements add much value to the original
work, not only to the bibliophile but to the general reader.
The expedition to Quebec, through the trackless wilderness of Maine, is
easily the most dramatic episode of the Revolution. It was led by one
who was destined to a brilliant career as a soldier, and a disgraceful
end as a traitor to his country. But for two events it would have been
completely successful, and the whole history of our Revolution changed
thereby—the territory of the original thirteen Colonies being augmented
by the vast domain now comprehended under the general name of British
America, and our country thus extending from the shores of the Arctic
Ocean to the Rio Grande.
These two incidents were, first: the month-late start of the expedition,
because of which the terrible flood in the Dead River, with the
resultant hardships, was encountered by those whom one of their number,
many years later, justly termed “that band of Heroes”—and, second: the
wound which disabled Arnold himself when, during the desperate attack on
Quebec, his inspiring presence and wonderful leadership were most needed
by his men.
Mr. Codman’s book is the only modern account of this important “prologue
of the Revolution,” as it has been styled by another author. No full
understanding of the importance of Arnold’s enterprise and the heroism
of his men is possible without having read it. Its terse diction and
graphic style make it most interesting reading, and the numerous
illustrations (most of them made expressly for it) add greatly to its
value.
Sample pages will be sent free on request. Address the MAGAZINE of
HISTORY, 281 Fourth Ave., N. Y.