Comments on: A Few Questions For John Ferling

By: Chris Nulle

Chris Nulle — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:19:36 +0000

I am an F&I and Rev. War reenactor who has spent many years at Fort Carillon (Fort Ticonderoga). In reading ALMOST A MIRACLE I have noticed what appears to be an inaccuracy. On page 20 of the book. Mr. Ferling writes “…Fort Carillon,a French Fortress on Lake George that guarded access to Canada.” I believe that the fort is considered to be on the southern end of Lake Champlain. You need to traverse south in order to enter Lake George. Some novice readers might find this confusing. Has anyone else noticed this. Thanks.

By: John

John — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:57:59 +0000

Hello,
I am a 7th Grade U.S. History teahc and am currently working on a graduate degree in Military History: American revolutionary War Studies. My question is, why do you think that there is a lack of material regarding the strategy and tactics of the Colonial/Revolutionary period??? We seem to be large quantities of books dealing with the tactics of the CW, Nap War and WWII. What are your thoughts on the subject?
Thank you

By: The Rev. Frederick W. Pyne

The Rev. Frederick W. Pyne — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 18:35:47 +0000

Ferking’s comments on George Washington are quite correct – he was not perfect. But, then few persons are. What he was, was the best and most steadfast leader of the American Revolution. His handling of the “crisis” at Newburg, when, pulling out his glasses to read, was a touch of greatness. He took the wind out of the sails of Officers who were trying to overthrow the government. His giving up his commisson at Annapolis, and then riding home to Mount Vernon is a real stunner! His whole sense of honor and virtue is probably what made the United States become what it is.

Fred Pyne

By: Clayton Lee

Clayton Lee — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:55:05 +0000

It was interesting to read the author’s comment regarding Bruce Catton. I read Mr. Ferling’s excerpt earlier and one impression I was left with was how much his writing style reminded me of Mr. Catton. I resolved to purchase this book in no small part because of that similarity. I have over the years been disappointed in the stodgy style of most writer’s work about this period. Mr. Catton ignited my now lifelong interest in the civil war and I am excited by the prospect that Mr. Ferling may do the same regarding the Revolutionary War.

By: Almost a Miracle: An Excerpt : OUPblog

Almost a Miracle: An Excerpt : OUPblog — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 17:39:03 +0000

[...] John Ferling featured on the OUPblog this week. Be sure to check out his original essay and his Q and A. Below we have excerpted the beginning of the introduction to Almost a Miracle: The American [...]

By: Jim Sefcik

Jim Sefcik — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 13:04:47 +0000

Please assess the competency of Gates, Schuyler, Sullivan, Knox, and Greene during the Revolutionary War.