HIGGINBOTHAM : The war of American independence (előszó)
THIS BOOK IS an attempt to trace the military history of the American people during the era of the American Revolution, 1763–1789. It is more an effort to examine military policy and attitudes toward war than it is an exercise in battles and campaigns. By enlarging upon the traditional dates of the War of Independence (1775–1783), I have sought, additionally, to examine the causes and the consequences of the Revolution as they relate to things military. I have tried to keep in mind the idea that armies are but projections of the societies from which they spring, as well as the notion that the interaction between warfare and society produces significant effects upon both civil and military institutions of a country. Although I have not been unmindful of the British side of the story and of the international aspects of the struggle for independence, this is a book that concentrates on American history. The United States was born in war rather than in peace, a fact that has profoundly influenced our later history.
My thanks are due, first, to my family. My wife, Mary Lou, displayed a sympathetic ear and a firm will that kept me in my study when I might otherwise have spent more time with her. My children—Lea, Larry, Robbie, David, and Jimmy—all showed an interest in my project, just as they insisted that their names be mentioned here. My father and mother have been an unfailing source of inspiration to me in this undertaking as well as in other ways. I am indebted to my previous academic institution, Louisiana State University, for various forms of assistance; Dean Max Goodrich of the Graduate School and John L. Loos, chairman of the Department of History, were most helpful. My former mentor, John R. Alden, generously read the manuscript and saved me from embarrassing errors. A number of other friends read one or more chapters: Douglas E. Leach, George F. Scheer, E. James Ferguson, William S. Price, James Edmonson, David Griffiths, and James Leutze—to all of them I am grateful. Finally, I express my appreciation to Mrs. George F. Scheer, an excellent critic and typist; and to Ira D. Gruber, who kindly allowed me to read his unpublished study of the Howe brothers.
Chapel Hill, N.C.
DON HIGGINBOTHAM
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