Seymour Reit was an American author, illustrator, and animator known for his contributions to children’s literature and his role in creating the character Casper the Friendly Ghost. Born on November 11, 1918, in New York City, Reit worked in various creative fields throughout his career, including animation at Max Fleischer Studios and writing for comic books, television, and educational books.

During World War II, Reit served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, an experience that provided him with a deeper understanding of military life and history. This background influenced his later work, including his historical writings for children. Reit translated his knowledge of historical events into accessible and informative stories for young readers, such as Guns for General Washington.

Henry Knox is known for his role as the chief artillery officer of the Continental Army. Before the war, Knox was a bookseller in Boston with an interest in military science, particularly artillery. His extensive reading and self-education on military topics earned him the rank of colonel in the Continental Army’s artillery regiment. Though he had no formal military training, Knox’s intellectual curiosity and dedication led him to become one of General Washington’s most trusted advisors.

Knox’s most famous contribution came during the winter of 1775-1776 when he was tasked with transporting captured artillery from

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