Only 21 at the start of the America's Revolutionary War, Benjamin Tallmadge was an enthusiastic patriot. Appointed by George Washington to organize intelligence in British-occupied New York, Tallmadge formed the famous Culper Spy Ring, whom he mentions in this volume without giving names.
Scenes of battle, the discovery of Benedict Arnold's betrayal, the execution of his classmate, Nathan Hale, were all part of Tallmadge's experiences in the war.
Written primarily for his children, this memoir is nevertheless an important document by one of America's great heroes. His description of Washington's parting in New York from his officers after the victory is especially moving and shows a more human side of the great leader.

Benjamin Tallmadge narrates his time spent as a military officer during the American Revolutionary War, detailing his roles as both commander and intelligence gatherer.
Renowned for his successes during the American Revolution, Benjamin Tallmadge commences these memoirs with a brief family history. After this short introduction, he immediately describes his military training and deployment, and the witnessing of his first battle close to New York City. Stricken and steeled by the carnage of war, the young Tallmadge expresses his wish to see the Revolution to its very end.
Upon demonstrating a keen sense of tactics, and mounting a successful raid wherein the supplies and premises of an enemy force were burned by Tallmadge and his fellow operatives, George Washington praised the officer?s abilities. Throughout the conflict, Tallmadge proved an able spymaster; heading up the Culper Ring, a network of agents whose information in and around the New York area would prove extremely valuable to the war effort.