As this series moves into book four, the list of those deserving of thanks for their contributions and support grows ever longer. Unfortunately, there is never enough space to adequately recognize every individual by name, and for this I wholeheartedly apologize. However, as in the past, certain people have made exceptional efforts to support this project and it would be remiss of me not to at least recognize them. First and foremost would be my wife, Diane, who manages the business end of things and continues to tolerate and accept my ongoing absences and hermit-like seclusion when I’m upstairs in the “computer” room, writing for hours on end.
Second is Major John Grodzinski, assistant professor in the department of history at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, who took time from his already full schedule to read and critique this manuscript and provided valuable insight and vital corrections of interpretive error on my part as it applied to the events surrounding General Prevost and the events in Kingston, Sackets Harbor, and Oswego.
Third, thanks go to my fellow historians Pat Kavanagh and Donald Graves for the work they have done before me, providing me with a valuable trail of research that I have been able to refer to as comparisons to what I have accumulated in my own researches; not to mention the other dedicated staff members of the numerous museums, archives, and libraries that I visited to research this work and who cheerfully assisted me in my searches. Nor can I fail to acknowledge the continued guidance and support provided by my editor Cheryl Hawley, my designer Jennifer Scott, as well as the whole creative team at Dundurn Press, in turning this idea into a reality.
Penultimately, to Barry Penhale and Jane Gibson of Natural Heritage publications and the memory of Karen, who collectively put my feet on the path that allowed me to become an author.
Finally, I want to go on record in expressing my deepest gratitude and thanks to all my readers, who have supported me by buying my books, overwhelmed me by their kind reviews and complements on the series so far, and provided suggestions for ensuring the upcoming parts maintain their deservedly high expectations.