Washington's Immortals

The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution

De: Patrick K. O’Donnell

Narrado por: William Hughes

In August 1776, a little over a month after the Continental Congress had formally declared independence from Britain, the revolution was on the verge of a sudden and disastrous end. General George Washington found his troops outmanned and outmaneuvered at the Battle of Brooklyn, and it looked like there was no escape. But thanks to a series of desperate rear-guard attacks by a single heroic regiment, famously known as the Immortal 400, Washington was able to evacuate his men, and the nascent Continental Army lived to fight another day.

Today, only a modest rusted and scarred metal sign near a dilapidated auto garage marks the mass grave where the bodies of the "Maryland Heroes" lie - 256 men "who fell in the Battle of Brooklyn". In Washington's Immortals, best-selling military historian Patrick K. O'Donnell brings to life the forgotten story of this remarkable band of brothers. Known as "gentlemen of honor, family, and fortune", they fought not just in Brooklyn but also in key battles, including Trenton, Princeton, Camden, Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse, and Yorktown, where their heroism changed the course of the war.

Drawing on extensive original sources, from letters to diaries to pension applications, O'Donnell pieces together the stories of these brave men - their friendships, loves, defeats, and triumphs. He explores their arms and tactics, their struggles with hostile loyalists and shortages of clothing and food, their development into an elite unit, and their dogged opponents, including British general Lord Cornwallis. And through the prism of this one group, O'Donnell tells the larger story of the Revolutionary War.

Washington's Immortals is gripping and inspiring boots-on-the-ground history, sure to appeal to a wide audience.

©2016 Patrick K. O’Donnell (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Good story of the Revolution

Fine unit history of the Maryland Militia in the Continental Army, which fought in several major engagements through the duration of the Revolution, often serving in important specialized or elite roles. Extensive research affords numerous personal insights on both sides. Frequent appearances by Washington, Lee, Lafayette, and other famous names helps add broader perspective.

Descriptions of the fighting, shortage of supplies, and painful privations clearly demonstrate the greatness of this generation of heroic Patriots who sacrificed much and risked all to create a new nation of free men. The followup chapter and afterword were quite poignant. Omnia reliquit servare rempublicam.

Good reading throughout. Thanks to Audible for making this volume available free of charge.

Should be required reading for every school

What I was taught about the revolutionary war in school pales when compared to this historic account of the true story of America’s independence.
Real detailed accounts of the battles through the eyes of the men who were there is invaluable to our history. The Immortals deserve so much more than having nothing honoring their story of winning the war. Without them we would not be a free country.

Patrick O’Donnell give them that honor.

First Audio Book

I started traveling for work and tried this book. I am a history buff and I knew nothing of the Maryland Immortals. If you love the Revolution check this One out!

A revolution in seeing the Revolution.

American history from the small unit perspective without losing the grand view in the process! A marvelously written account of the previously unsung people who made the difference, again and again.

Uncommon to have a work of historical non-fiction keep my fascination so well. Many an evening after listening during my commute home, did I continue listening while parked in my driveway!

Maryland had some fighters

I am glad that I listened to this book. I had no idea how big of an impact the Maryland Regulars and the Delaware Blues had as the main veterans of the patriot forces in the Revolutionary War. Amazing anyone survived that conflict.