The life of an ordinary soldier in the Revolutionary War. Young Joseph Francis, a 'Runaway' from his family in London, indentured his services in return for the voyage to the American Colonies. Before he could decide to make Virginia his home, the war had begun with state militias forming, requiring all men of a certain age to register. Joseph joined 'Bland's Horse', later enlisting in 'Light Horse Harry' Lee's 5th Troop of Dragoons. Becoming Lee's Trumpet Major, he took an active part in some of the major battles---Great Bridge, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth Courthouse and served under General George Washington at Valley Forge. Washington referred to Lee's Dragoons as his eyes and ears as they moved stealthily into enemy territory to determine forthcoming British movements to relay to him. This account of his life in the Continental Army reveals the story of an ordinary soldier---his innermost thoughts, doubts and emotions, so similar to others fighting this war and the hardships they endured caused by the inextricable hold the Revolutionary War had on them.
About the Author: Frank Garey holds B.A. degree from University of Richmond, MBA from Rutgers University. Began his career as Intelligence Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency, where as a unit supervisor, he assisted in interpreting U-2 photos showing Soviet nuclear missiles in place in Cuba--only 90 miles from our shores. Photos taken to President Kennedy as proof of the threat to the United States. Ensuing days became the most volatile threat of nuclear war the world has ever seen, as documented in the movie, 'Thirteen Days'. Later, entering commercial banking, he attained the level of Senior Vice President at Sovran Bank (became Bank of America), then joined and retired from Eastern Virginia Bankshares as a Senior Officer. Listed in 58th edition of Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Business and Finance, he is active member Williamsburg Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution and also Founding Member, Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. An active author, he has published five novels. Members of the Garey Family have served in every war starting with the French and Indian Wars. His great uncle, Colonel Robert Dungan commanded the 48th Virginia Infantry leading the charge up Culp's Hill, Battle of Gettysburg and was shot in the chest the same evening as General "Stonewall" Jackson was mortally wounded at Chancellorsville. Surviving, he fought through the war to Appomattox and Lee's surrender. His Great (3)Grandfather, Joseph Benjamin was Trumpet Major and Dragoon in 'Light Horse Harry' Lee's 5th Troop of Continental Dragoons in Revolutionary War, also serving under General Washington at Valley Forge. He has two children and four grandchildren and resides in Hartfield, Virginia in Chesapeake Bay Region