Christopher T. George

Christopher George's little book is devoted an exploration of the British campaign on the Chesapeake from 1813-1814, and America's rather feeble attempts to respond to it. I have
several books on this topic, and George's effort may be the best of the lot. I detect a bit of an anti-British tone to his narrative as he recounts Admiral Cockburn's depredations against Americans in the north bay and other areas as well.

He reminds us that the Americans were poorly led by Secretary of War Armstrong, dependent largely on state and local militias. Most of these were poorly motivated, poorly led, and performed badly in the field. However, in some actions, such as Craney Island in 1813, and at other actions as well, British forces attempting complex amphibious operations suffered serious reverses in the face of determined American resistance.

George gives a good account of the disaster at Bladensburg, as well, as the successful defense of Baltimore.… (mais)