The Indispensables

The Diverse Soldier-Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington Across the Delaware

By: Patrick K. O'Donnell

Narrated by: Will Damron

From the best-selling author of Washington’s Immortals and The Unknowns, an important new chronicle of the American Revolution heralding the heroism of the men from Marblehead, Massachusetts

On the stormy night of August 29, 1776, the Continental Army faced annihilation after losing the Battle of Brooklyn. The British had trapped George Washington’s army against the East River, and the fate of the Revolution rested upon the shoulders of the soldier-mariners from Marblehead, Massachusetts. Serving side-by-side in one of the country’s first diverse units, they pulled off an “American Dunkirk” and saved the army by navigating the treacherous waters of the river to Manhattan.

In the annals of the American Revolution, no group played a more consequential role than the Marbleheaders. At the right time in the right place, they repeatedly altered the course of events, and their story shines new light on our understanding of the Revolution. As acclaimed historian Patrick K. O’Donnell dramatically recounts, beginning nearly a decade before the war started, Marbleheaders such as Elbridge Gerry and Azor Orne spearheaded the break with Britain and helped shape the nascent United States by playing a crucial role governing, building alliances, seizing British ships, forging critical supply lines, and establishing the origins of the US Navy.

The Marblehead Regiment, led by John Glover, became truly indispensable. Marbleheaders battled at Lexington and on Bunker Hill and formed the elite Guard that protected George Washington, foreshadowing today’s Secret Service. Then, at the most crucial time in the war, the special operations-like regiment, against all odds, conveyed 2,400 of Washington’s men across the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night of 1776, delivering the momentum- shifting surprise attack on Trenton that changed the course of history.

White, Black, Hispanic, and Native American, this uniquely diverse group of soldiers set an inclusive standard the US Army would not reach again for more than 170 years. The Marbleheaders’ story, never fully told before now, makes The Indispensables a vital addition to the literature of the American Revolution.

As best-selling historian Patrick K. O’Donnell dramatically recounts, the Marblehead Regiment, led by John Glover, was truly indispensable. Beginning nearly a decade before the war started, The Indispensables also reveals how Marbleheaders such as Elbridge Gerry and Josiah Lee spearheaded the break with Britain and helped shape the nascent United States by playing a crucial role governing, building alliances, seizing British ships and forging critical supply lines that established the origins of the US Navy.

Marbleheaders battled at Lexington and on Bunker Hill and formed the elite Guard that protected George Washington, a precursor to today’s Secret Service. Then, at the most crucial time in the war, the regiment conveyed 2,400 of Washington’s men across the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night of 1776, delivering the momentum-shifting surprise attack on Trenton that changed the course of history.

This uniquely diverse unit set an inclusive standard the US Army would not reach for over 170 years. Compelling and original, The Indispensables is a vital addition to the literature of the American Revolution.

©2021 Patrick K. O'Donnell (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing

Inspiring read

I do appreciate the story of these great men, their dedication and sacrifice for our nation and the worldwide effect they had. We need stories like these to remind us of the truth of the history of our nation and it’s incredible importance!!!

Story

Wanted to read something about The Ten Crucial Days before my upcoming trip and saw that this was a recommendation. Fantastic listen and story. I find some histories are hard to listen to so I prefer to read but this was an exception. Highly recommend!

These Indespensable gave everything for Freedom

Hopefully those who hear the stories of sacrifice comtained in these historical words will also fight for our freedom once again

We speak of greatest generations

Never ceases to amaze me how individuals can give so much dreaming that they are paving the way for their children to be safe.
Tough times make great men…….

Amazing

I enjoyed this book as much as any US history book I have read. It was entertaining, informative and riveting at times. The amount of new information around the key parts of the revolution is truly special.

Every American should read this!

Fascinating, interesting and extremely informative.
Everyone should read/listen to this book. The author's research is second to none. Things we should have learned in school about American history.

Sacrifice for Freedom for all by all!

Complete insight in Naval and Army’s American Revolutionary War! Read this book! Supported Facts! Insightful! Covers inter-depth personality insight of leaders as well as those in the trenches and yardarms! Covers the battle and the politics involved as well as medical insights in those that sacrificed their families, fortune and lives for America!

Wonderful source of historic accounts

Wonderful account of history that is often neglected.

The narrator was excellent and easy to follow.

Trenton Marblehead Sailors Save Washington’s Army

Washington’s audacious attack on Trenton was made possible by the skill and determination of the Marbleheaders. The book has changed my mental image of the crossing and confirmed my belief that war involves luck and good fortune. I am also going to read Washington’s Immortals.

Loved this book!

What a beautiful telling of the beginning of the revolutionary war! I enjoyed the reader, the story, this is mostly dry information but engaging. Loved it