By John Buchanan.  ISBN 0-471-44156-2.  Copyright 2004.  Hardcover with 368 pages including 21 black and white illustrations, notes, and index. 

After four months of disastrous defeats, narrow escapes, and punishing marches, Washington knew only too well that his rag-tag assemblage of inexperienced officers, poorly trained regulars, and hastily gathered militiamen was no match for a professional army of more than 30,000 seasoned, well equipped British and Hessian troops.  Even so, General Howe had missed three golden opportunities to crush Washington’s army and end the rebellion.  With each reprieve, Washington became a wiser, craftier, more prudent commander, one capable of turning an undisciplined rabble into a capable fighting force.