"Book Review: Diary of the American War" Topic

Diary of the American War:
A Hessian Journal

This book written by Capt Johan Ewald is a must have for any person interested in the down and dirty level of fighting in the American Revolution. Captain Ewald and his jager corp (sharpshooters) arrived with the first wave of German mercenary troops that came with the British to New York City. He they landed and eventually drove the American army from Long island and onto the mainland if you will into New York proper

Read the entire review … Click here

link

I read this work years ago when it first came out. It always astonished me that it did not receive more widespread interest for it should be a classic on the period along with Ward's 2-volume history, and a few others that greatly contribute to the study of this era. I would add that the maps/sketches included in the work give a great insight to the decisions made by the commanders and are well-worth studying.

It is a work that belongs on the shelf of anyone who wants a deeper insights to the tactics of the "petit-guerre" of the latter part of the 18th century.

There is a great description of his Jaegers giving Morgan's men a run for their money. He literaly had them coming and going.

I bought this book after Chris's recommendations for it in his rules "Light Bobs". Still haven't gotten around to reading it yet though.

Ewald also wrote "A Treatise on Partisan Warfare" – both are very useful reading for anyone wanting to understand how the "petote guerre/kleine krieg" worked.

link

As extraordinary is the story of the journals' survival and rescue.

Ewald ended up a Danish general. He left the Hessian service because the value of his service was not recognized by his sovereign.

The Danes did very well supporting Davout in 1813-1814 during the siege of Hamburg.

Ewald was one of the best light infantry officers the British had in North America and the jagers were well-respected, even feared, by their American opponents.

I've had both of Ewald's books for years and they are well-worth having and reading. Excellent material.