Acknowledgments

Norman Mailer once wrote, “Writing books is the closest men ever come to childbearing.” While the point may be exaggerated, it is undeniable that nonfiction only comes to life through an enormous and necessarily collaborative effort. The idea for The Court-­Martial of Paul Revere found its genesis in a 1977 law review article of the same name written by attorney Frederick Grant Jr. Mr. Grant graciously shared his recollections on the topic and pointed me in the right direction to begin my research. I am grateful for his advice and encouragement on the idea for the book. Likewise, I am indebted to various authors, such as George Buker, Bernard Cornwell, and Charles Bracelen Flood, who have enlightened me with their various histories of the Penobscot Expedition and Paul Revere’s intriguing role in it.

A special thank-­you to Patrick Leehey, research director of the Paul Revere House, for opening up his files to me and for agreeing to read the manuscript in advance. Our discussions and correspondence on the nuances of Paul Revere’s personality and military career were helpful in drawing an accurate depiction of his postride travails.

For assistance in accessing the many valuable resources at the Massachusetts Archives, I am grateful to Jennifer Fauxsmith, reference supervisor and archivist; and for guidance and direction with the collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Betsy Boyle was, as always, extremely helpful.

I am grateful for the kindness and assistance of the people of Castine, Maine, most notably Dr. Lynn Parsons, who provided valuable suggestions for improving the manuscript, as well as Paige Lilly, curator of the Castine Historical Society, who allowed me access to the society’s files and historical images. Castine is a lovely town with a storied history, and I found its people warm and welcoming.

I also wish to thank my good friend Laura Knott for reading the manuscript in advance and for providing insight and accuracy to the historical backdrop of the story.

For assistance with photo images at the Massachusetts Archives, I extend a note of appreciation to Carolyn McPherson, who produced exceptional archival reproductions under difficult conditions.

Finally, I thank my agent, John Rudolph, editor, Stephen Hull, and copyeditor, Elizabeth Forsaith, each of whom provided encouragement, enthusiasm, and much hard work in bringing The Court-­Martial of Paul Revere to life.