****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
As a lifelong admirer (and a 6th great-grandson) of Col. William Crawford, I had dreamed one day to author a book about his remarkable life, but Jack Dacas beat me to it. And what an awesome, historical work he has produced!Over the years I have collected extensive research on Col. Crawford's life and times, and know his incredible American story well. Like the author, I often wondered why it was never told before. So now, finally, it is available to everyone in this great book.Col. Crawford's life story embodies the great struggles and modest successes of America's earliest frontier pioneers and reveals how they eventually came together, with their east coast neighbors, to form “a more perfect union.” All this came with great sacrifice, and onlyhighly dedicated men like Col. Crawford, supported by equally courageous women and children, possibly could have accomplished it.The historical stage for each of the key events in Col. Crawford's life is well presented through the plain spoken dialogue of the characters. Everything occurs in context.A close friend of George Washington, William Crawford fought alongside him in the French and Indian War, on British Gen. Braddock's fateful march and other key battles leading up to the American Revolution. Col. Crawford helped Washington lead the desperate surprise Christmas Night attack across the Delaware River against the Hessians, then went on to Brandywine and other key battles to sustain the Revolution. Soon, Congress re-assigned Col. Crawford out west to fight the British and their Indian allies there until the war's end. Yet the fierce Indianwarfare—still supported by the British—didn't end with the signing of a treaty. Recalled to voluntary military service after his retirement, Col. Crawford gave his life in battle for his family and country.Col. Crawford's story is a wonderful way to study early American history. The more graphic episodes of his life as an Indian fighter are heart-wrenching, but tastefully described. The dialog is not too raw for tender ears. This book is for everyone.Historians and genealogists will note that, perhaps for reasons of simplification, the author omitted reference Crawford's first, brief marriage to Anne Stewart, who died soon after giving birth to their daughter Anne, who married into the Connell family, who with the Crawfords founded what would become known as Connellsville, Pennsylvania. Also, Col. Crawford's intrigues as a land surveyor and controversial local judge receive scant treatment, and his active participation in Lord Dunmore's War in the months leading up to the American Revolutionunfortunately is omitted.But this is a most wonderful book, accurate and written very well, about an incredible American patriot who rightfully deserves a place of high honor in American history. This book is a must read and a great read, and belongs in the permanent library of every home and library in America. My thanks and congratulations to the author for his important contribution to American historical literature.
