Alexander Hamilton's Revolution: His Vital Role as Washington's Chief of Staff

Description

Despite his less-than-promising beginnings as the only key Founding Father not born and raised on American soil, Hamilton was one of the best and brightest of his generation. His notoriety has rested almost entirely on his role as Secretary of the Treasury in Washington's administration, yet few realize that Washington and Hamilton's bond was forged during the Revolutionary War. Alexander Hamilton's Revolution is the first book to explore Hamilton's critical role during the battle for independence. New information presents a little-known and underpublished aspect of Hamilton's life: that he was not only Washington's favorite staff officer, but also his right-hand man for most of the Revolution, serving as Chief of Staff from 1777 to early 1781. While he found this position rewarding, Hamilton continually asked Washington for a field command. Hamilton's wish was granted at the decisive battle of Yorktown, where his Infantry Battalion charged on the defensive bastion on Cornwallis's left flank. Hamilton's capture of this position, while French forced captured the adjacent position, sealed Cornwallis's fate and forced his surrender and ultimate colonial victory. The entire patriotic cause benefited immeasurably from the advice and strategies provided to Washington by his youngest staff officer, Alexander Hamilton. Now, those critical contributions are brought to light in Hamilton's Revolution.

Phillip Thomas Tucker, PhD, is the author of the acclaimed Skyhorse books George Washington's Surprise Attack, How the Irish Won the American Revolution, Pickett's Charge, and Death at the Little Bighorn. After earning his PhD in 1990, he took a position as civilian historian with the Department of Defense. The author resides near Washington, D.C., in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Praise for Philip Thomas Tucker: "Alexander Hamilton's Revolution is more than the story of Colonel Hamilton's wartime feats and his multifaceted role as an aide to General George Washington. Philip Thomas Tucker explores the fascinating story of Hamilton's relationship with Washington, unraveling what each thought of the other, what each meant to the other, and how each used the other. This is an illuminating book, written with verve and intensity, and it will be welcomed by all those interested in the Revolutionary War and those two beguiling men, Alexander Hamilton and George Washington." -John Ferling, author of Whirlwind: The American Revolution and the War That Won It (2015) "Tucker is fresh and bold in his analysis and use of sources." -William C. Davis, author, Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee-The War They Fought, The Peace They Forged "A thought-provoking and eye-opening study of [a] pivotal moment in American history." -Louis P. Masur, Rutgers University professor of history "Tucker's account brims with colorful information . . . that vivifies [a] pivotal episode in American history." -Kirkus Reviews Praise for Philip Thomas Tucker: "Alexander Hamilton's Revolution is more than the story of Colonel Hamilton's wartime feats and his multifaceted role as an aide to General George Washington. Philip Thomas Tucker explores the fascinating story of Hamilton's relationship with Washington, unraveling what each thought of the other, what each meant to the other, and how each used the other. This is an illuminating book, written with verve and intensity, and it will be welcomed by all those interested in the Revolutionary War and those two beguiling men, Alexander Hamilton and George Washington." -John Ferling, author of Whirlwind: The American Revolution and the War That Won It (2015) "Tucker is fresh and bold in his analysis and use of sources." -William C. Davis, author, Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee-The War They Fought, The Peace They Forged "A thought-provoking and eye-opening study of [a] pivotal moment in American history." -Louis P. Masur, Rutgers University professor of history "Tucker's account brims with colorful information . . . that vivifies [a] pivotal episode in American history." -Kirkus Reviews