Guns for General Washington: A Story of the American Revolution is a historical novel written by Seymour Reit in 2001. Though Reit is primarily remembered for creating Casper the Friendly Ghost, he also wrote more than 80 books. Guns for General Washington tells the story of an expedition known as the “noble train of artillery” during the American Revolution. The novel centers on the journey led by Colonel Henry Knox, a former bookseller turned military leader, who was tasked with transporting 59 cannons and other heavy artillery from Fort Ticonderoga in New York to Boston in the winter of 1775-1776. The journey spanned over 300 miles through treacherous winter conditions, including snow-covered mountains, frozen rivers, and rugged terrain. Knox and his men persevered in Overcoming Physical and Environmental Challenges, successfully delivering the artillery to General George Washington’s army. The arrival of the cannons allowed the Continental Army to fortify Dorchester Heights, ultimately forcing the British to evacuate Boston and marking a significant turning point in the Revolutionary War.

While some of the elements, such as the dialogue, are fictionalized, Guns for General Washington remains faithful to the historical events it depicts. Reit drew on primary sources, including J.P. Becker’s journal, to accurately portray the challenges and significance of Henry Knox’s expedition.

This guide uses the 2001 Harcourt paperback edition.

Plot Summary

The novel begins with the Continental Army’s dire situation in Boston, where General George Washington and his forces are trapped in a stalemate with the British. General Howe, the British commander in Boston, is confident in his stronghold, believing the Continental Army lacks the resources to challenge British control. The army is in desperate need of artillery to break the siege, and Henry Knox has a plan to transport artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. Knox quickly assembles a small team, including his younger brother, Will Knox, J.P. Becker—a young, inexperienced volunteer eager to prove himself—and other volunteers. Knox and his team set out from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and begin their journey to Fort Ticonderoga. The harsh winter landscape begins to emerge as a significant adversary, foreshadowing the many challenges the group would face. Meanwhile, in Boston, Paul Revere Jr. and other residents endure the hardships of living under British control, with rising tensions and dwindling supplies adding to their anxiety.

With the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga loaded onto sleds, Knox and his team begin the arduous journey back to Boston. The team battles snowdrifts, freezing temperatures, and the steep, rocky terrain. Will Knox begins to take on more responsibility, stepping up to assist his brother, while J.P. Becker wrestles with his fears but continues to push forward. The team eventually reaches the Mohawk River, which is frozen over. The ice is treacherous, but they are eventually able to cross. Along the way, the convoy is assisted by local communities. Their support is invaluable, showing the Impact of Ordinary People on History.

The team next has to deal with mountains. The steep inclines and rugged paths make progress slow and exhausting. The men struggle to maintain their morale as they contend with blizzards and the constant threat of avalanches. The breaking of sleds during this section of the journey adds to their woes, forcing the men to stop frequently to make repairs. J.P. Becker, despite his inexperience, begins to take on more active roles after his father is injured, showing his growing maturity. In Boston, Paul Revere Jr. witnesses the growing restlessness and despair among the residents, who are increasingly desperate for news of relief from the Continental Army.

The team finally arrives in Boston after enduring weeks of grueling travel. Knox and his men, exhausted but determined, carefully position the artillery on Dorchester Heights, a strategic vantage point overlooking the city and the British forces stationed there. The sudden appearance of the cannons completely shifts the balance of power. Upon realizing the vulnerability of his position, General Howe faces a difficult decision. With the Continental Army now in control of the high ground and capable of bombarding the British fleet in the harbor, Howe understands that maintaining control of Boston is no longer feasible. The arrival of the cannons forces Howe to order the evacuation of British troops from the city, a significant victory for the Continental Army.

The novel’s setting, primarily in the harsh winter landscape, serves as both a literal and symbolic obstacle that the characters must overcome. The point of view in the book alternates between a close third-person perspective, allowing readers to connect with the characters’ thoughts and emotions and offering a broader view of the strategic significance of the mission within the larger context of the war. This narrative technique gives readers an intimate understanding of the characters’ internal experiences, such as Will Knox’s growing sense of responsibility and J.P. Becker’s journey from inexperience to maturity. Simultaneously, the broader perspective places these personal stories within the wider framework of the Revolutionary War, showing how individual actions contribute to the overall military efforts.