The Indispensables

The Diverse Soldier-Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington Across the Delaware

By: Patrick K. O'Donnell

Narrated by: Will Damron

Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of Washington’s Immortals and The Unknowns, an important new chronicle of the American Revolution heralding the heroism of the men from Marblehead, Massachusetts

On the stormy night of August 29, 1776, the Continental Army faced annihilation after losing the Battle of Brooklyn. The British had trapped George Washington’s army against the East River, and the fate of the Revolution rested upon the shoulders of the soldier-mariners from Marblehead, Massachusetts. Serving side-by-side in one of the country’s first diverse units, they pulled off an “American Dunkirk” and saved the army by navigating the treacherous waters of the river to Manhattan.

In the annals of the American Revolution, no group played a more consequential role than the Marbleheaders. At the right time in the right place, they repeatedly altered the course of events, and their story shines new light on our understanding of the Revolution. As acclaimed historian Patrick K. O’Donnell dramatically recounts, beginning nearly a decade before the war started, Marbleheaders such as Elbridge Gerry and Azor Orne spearheaded the break with Britain and helped shape the nascent United States by playing a crucial role governing, building alliances, seizing British ships, forging critical supply lines, and establishing the origins of the US Navy.

The Marblehead Regiment, led by John Glover, became truly indispensable. Marbleheaders battled at Lexington and on Bunker Hill and formed the elite Guard that protected George Washington, foreshadowing today’s Secret Service. Then, at the most crucial time in the war, the special operations-like regiment, against all odds, conveyed 2,400 of Washington’s men across the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night of 1776, delivering the momentum- shifting surprise attack on Trenton that changed the course of history.

White, Black, Hispanic, and Native American, this uniquely diverse group of soldiers set an inclusive standard the US Army would not reach again for more than 170 years. The Marbleheaders’ story, never fully told before now, makes The Indispensables a vital addition to the literature of the American Revolution.

As best-selling historian Patrick K. O’Donnell dramatically recounts, the Marblehead Regiment, led by John Glover, was truly indispensable. Beginning nearly a decade before the war started, The Indispensables also reveals how Marbleheaders such as Elbridge Gerry and Josiah Lee spearheaded the break with Britain and helped shape the nascent United States by playing a crucial role governing, building alliances, seizing British ships and forging critical supply lines that established the origins of the US Navy.

Marbleheaders battled at Lexington and on Bunker Hill and formed the elite Guard that protected George Washington, a precursor to today’s Secret Service. Then, at the most crucial time in the war, the regiment conveyed 2,400 of Washington’s men across the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night of 1776, delivering the momentum-shifting surprise attack on Trenton that changed the course of history.

This uniquely diverse unit set an inclusive standard the US Army would not reach for over 170 years. Compelling and original, The Indispensables is a vital addition to the literature of the American Revolution.

©2021 Patrick K. O'Donnell (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing

Inspiring read

I do appreciate the story of these great men, their dedication and sacrifice for our nation and the worldwide effect they had. We need stories like these to remind us of the truth of the history of our nation and it’s incredible importance!!!

These Indespensable gave everything for Freedom

Hopefully those who hear the stories of sacrifice comtained in these historical words will also fight for our freedom once again

We speak of greatest generations

Never ceases to amaze me how individuals can give so much dreaming that they are paving the way for their children to be safe.
Tough times make great men…….

Good topic, did not like the reader

This is a fascinating story about an elite group during the Revolutionary War. Regrettably, the reader was mostly monotone and broke at odd times. Detracted from the story

Lovers of American history will enjoy this book!

What a great perspective on the Revolution from the eyes of these coastal Patriots. The original "Yankees" that we here in the south can highly respect. Our country owes these men a debt of gratitude for their patriotism and sacrifice.

Great story - inspiring, amazing and reads like a novel.

The story reads like a novel and educates you on the incredible story of the revolutionary war and the people of Marblehead Massachusetts. Full disclosure I am from the area, but I think anyone would be inspired by the background of how George Washington’s army fight against tremendous odds through incredible difficulty.

Great story demands a great publisher

This story is great. However the narrator does his best to sound like a typewriter. “Available only through Audible”. So, it seems Audible took a great author and book for the purpose of dulling it to death.
I’ve been with Audible 10 years. They seem not to value this story. No narrator wants to sound like a typewriter; so I will assume this is an Audible executive decision. They don’t value the author or his audience.

God blessed America

Fabulous book, can't wait to listen again! I was so enveloped by the story I couldn't stop thinking about it. Such courage displayed that paid for our priceless freedom. May America know that kind of bravery once more.....

The Indepensibles

Excellent listening. I enjoyed it greatly. Narrator keep me entertained. Looking forward to the audible of Washington's Immortals.

Should be read in the Middle School or the High Schools

People need to learn our history so they can understand and appreciate where we came from and the sacrifices the early patriots made. Men of all backgrounds serving side by side White and Black men . Before the evils of segregation.