THE FIRST CONSPIRACY
The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington
By Brad Meltzer & Josh Mensch
St. Martin’s Paperback
406 pgs
In the early summer of 1776, General George Washington and his Continental Army of the United States were encamped throughout New York City. Fresh from their victory over the British in Boston the previous year, Washington was focused on fortifying New York in preparation for the invading British Fleet, which he logically assumed was en route. How much time he had, he didn’t know, which only added to his anxiety. Never mind that his so-called army was still a ragtag collection of various state militias with little or no real military training. They were short of supplies and ammunition.
What added to the tense scenario the fact that half of the city’s citizens were Loyalist faithfully supporting King George. Though aware of this fact, what Washington didn’t suspect was that a plot was being hatched by the former British Governor, William Tryon and his lackey, Mayor David Matthews, to have the General and his top aides assassinated on the very arrival of that enemy flotilla.
Writers Meltzer and Mensch reveal one of the least known dramas in American history as they skillfully recount the events leading to those crucial weeks. In their research, they uncover many incidents that initially seem unrelated, but when pieced together, slowly reveal a cast of villains and heroes no Hollywood fiction would even dare attempt. That it is all true is remarkable. Whether you are a history buff or not, this book is worth your attention. At a time when America’s very existence hung in the balance, a handful of men plotted to see that it was never born.
