Washington Crossing Book Released

Posted by : Robert Child Sunday

This past week we released the book, Washington's Crossing: America's First D-Day based on the script I wrote for the docudrama, America's First D-Day. The Continental Film Alliance is mounting a big push to finish the film this winter. This book and the the forthcoming audiobook are a way to build awareness for this great project. The more folks that know about it the better. So if you have the opportunity please check into the book and tell friends about it. One of the motivations behind the entire project is to help preserve our own American history which is rapidly disappearing. Part of the proceeds of the project are earmarked to support historic preservation and I hope you will agree that is cause enough to consider purchasing a copy.

Purchase At Amazon

*Below is an excerpt from the book as well as an except from the forthcoming audiobook which will be released in September and lastly the film's trailer based on the filming that has already been done.

Washington's Crossing: America's First D-Day (excerpt)

FORTRESS YORKTOWN, OCTOBER 1781

It is late afternoon, a six man British burial party concludes a graveside service for one of their own guarded by two Continental soldiers. The still smoldering ruins of Fortress Yorktown silhouette them. Outside a white clapboard colonial home American troops stand watch as British prisoners shuffle past.

Victorious American general George Washington, forty-nine, arrives at the home on foot flanked by six aides. The American guards salute and part to allow him to enter the home.

Inside, defeated British commander, forty-three year old Charles Cornwallis stands near the hearth as British officers move quickly past. As Washington enters the room stills.

Cornwallis moves graciously to meet his former enemy with an extended hand. General Washington accepts it with a slight bow.

“Lord Cornwallis, it seems your health is restored,” as Washington tweaks the British commander about his absence during the surrender ceremony. Cornwallis, wincing at the slight, says, “Yes, General, thank you, I am quite fit.”

LATER, DINING ROOM

General Washington commands the head of a long table flanked by both American and French officers on his left and across from them British officers to his right. The mood is subdued and formality prevails. Lord Cornwallis sits opposite Washington at the other end of the table. A courier enters with a dispatch that requires Washington’s signature. Signing, Washington is interrupted by Cornwallis who takes advantage of the momentary lull. The defeated commander raises his goblet of wine.

“Gentlemen, if I may take this opportunity,” men quiet and turn towards Cornwallis as Washington sits back. “When the illustrious part that your Excellency has borne in this long and arduous contest becomes a matter of history, I dare say fame will gather your brightest laurels from the banks of the Delaware rather than from those of the Chesapeake.”

Shocked silence descends as Cornwallis has extended Washington an extraordinary compliment. Men look to one another then turn anxious for Washington’s reaction.

Washington lifts his glass. Officers on both sides follow suit as the General chooses his words carefully.

“Perhaps, your Lordship, our darkest hour revealed our greatest courage.”

Cornwallis nods; impressed by Washington’s humble honesty and his words bring forth warm acknowledgements from all gathered.

As the men from both side concentrate on their meal, Washington’s mind drifts back five years earlier to the banks of the Delaware River.

NEW JERSEY SIDE OF THE DELAWARE RIVER

On the fast running river, Continental troops under fire clamor into small wooden boats. A vanguard of British light infantry in their red uniforms appears in the trees. They begin to fire at Washington’s escaping troops. Several Americans are hit. Washington’s maritime expert, Colonel John Glover, from Massachusetts hurries the General into the last boat. With relief Washington turns to Glover.

“It seems, John, that your maritime skills have preserved this army once again.”

Glover smiling, replies, “Aye, and I pray your Excellency does not continue to make this a habit.”

A British ball hits the head of a nearby man in the boat with a crack. He falls lifeless into the rushing current. They are not out of danger yet. Washington’s men scramble for their muskets and begin to fire back at the British now crowding the river’s edge. Soon Washington is safely out of British musket range and he slumps a bit from exhaustion but catches himself and looks about him. His men look to him for strength he reminds himself to remain steadfast.

The Continentals had been chased across the length of New Jersey for more than a month from Fort Lee in the north to Trenton in the south. Finally they are able to put a river between them and the British if only temporarily.