The Waterman: The Patriot and the Great Cannon Train — Norris Van Den Berg

Based upon the diary of one of General George Washington's staff officers, The Waterman recounts the seemingly impossible transport of fifty-nine cannons three hundred miles over land and water from Ft. Ticonderoga to Boston in the dead of winter 1776. These cannons gave General Washington the missing artillery he desperately needed for his stunning first victory over the invincible British forces. During this two-month heroic exploit, facing ferocious weather and daring attacks by ruthless British spies, the story's protagonist, Continental Navy Lieutenant Dan Saunders perseveres with cunning and audacious courage. Together with his loyal compatriot, Paul Williams, a former pirate and slave, the pair led a ragtag crew of volunteers to prevail and turn the tide in one of young America's most inspirational, early milestones in the fight for independence.