War at Saber Point

Banastre Tarleton and the British Legion

By: John Knight

Narrated by: Ian Putnam

The British Legion was one of the most remarkable regiments, not only of the American Revolution, but of any war. A corps made up of American Loyalists, it saw its first action in New York and then engaged in almost every battle in the Southern colonies. Led by a 24-year-old libertine who purchased his commission to escape enormous gambling debts, the Legion gained notoriety for its ruthless tactics. Excelling in “special operations", they frequently overwhelmed the Continental forces they fought, becoming the most feared British regiment of the war.

Banastre Tarleton and the Americans he led have always been characterized as brutal, immoral villains - most recently in the movie The Patriot. But this study subverts our preconceived notions of patriotism. The men who filled the Legions ranks were not weak-willed collaborators or treacherous renegades, but free men as motivated by conscience as the Patriots they battled. Few were wealthy. None had a vested stake in the British Government. Each believed that in defending the Crown; they were upholding the rule of law and preserving individual liberty.

These men followed Banastre Tarleton clear across America for years, sacrificing not only their families and homes, but in many instances their lives. Self-interest could not have persuaded them to do this. Patriotism and fidelity did. Relying on firsthand accounts - letters, diaries, and journals - War at Saber Point: Banastre Tarleton and the British Legion is the enthralling story of those forgotten Americans and the young Englishman who led them.

The book is published by Westholme Publishing. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

©2020 John Knight (P)2021 Redwood Audiobooks

Thoroughly researched and well written

I thought this account of the American Revolution was extremely unbiased and gave as realistic of a perspective as was possible based on the historical data available. Great read.

Entertaining story about a notorious Brit.

I live in the Waxhaws and grew up on stories about Bloody Ban. Over time I came to separate fact from fiction. This is an excellent book, well written, well researched based on the references and with a great narrator. It covers a number of misconceptions portrayed in various movies and books.
The book also covers a number of Tarleton’ contemporaries and side bar stories of the people and their times to make it more enjoyable. If you have more than a passing interest and a good memory, this is one of those audiobooks that is Kindle worthy. You need it for the references for further study.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. Time passed by quickly while listening to it.

Every good story needs a good villain

I love reading history from the POV of the combatants that didn't win. It was very interesting to learn more about Tarleton and how he became Bloody Ban. Solid listen!

A must read for Revolutionary War buffs

Fascinating deep dive into aspects of the war that were totally new to me. The intricacies of the conflict between the British and their loyalists and the patriots, especially in the Carolinas, are highlighted in very listenable yet scholarly narrative. Outstanding narrator!