Conduct of Sir William Howe

A vivid snapshot of the American Revolution arrives in this rare collection of contemporary documents, centered on General Sir William Howe’s 1776 campaign from New York to White Plains. Listeners will hear the stark language of Israel Mauduit’s pamphlet, a scathing contemporary critique that lays bare the general’s cautious tactics, the delays that plagued his advance, and the frustration felt by both officers and the public. The narrative is built around authentic dispatches sent from the field, complete with the gritty details of river crossings, fog‑shrouded maneuvers, and the precarious balance of infantry, Hessian allies, and naval support.

The work also explores the political undercurrents that shaped Howe’s decisions, hinting at secret negotiations and the controversial surrender of Fort Washington. Accompanied by period maps and firsthand letters, the material offers listeners a clear window into the strategic dilemmas and personal ambitions that defined the early war years—without spilling the later outcomes. This immersive account brings the tension of 1776’s battlefield politics to life for anyone curious about the hidden forces behind historic events.