Presents the previously untold story of a pre-Revolutionary War assassination attempt against George Washington by some of his own bodyguards, exploring how the plot catalyzed the creations of the CIA and FBI. - (Baker & Taylor)
The best-selling author of <I>The Inner Circle</I> presents the lesser-known story of an assassination attempt against pre-Revolutionary War George Washington by some of his own bodyguards, exploring how the plot catalyzed the creations of the CIA and FBI. - (Baker & Taylor)
"In 1776, an elite group of soldiers were handpicked to serve as George Washington's bodyguards. Washington trusted and relied on them, but unbeknownst to him, some of the guards were part of a treasonous plan. In the early months of the Revolutionary War, these traitorous soldiers, along with the Governor of New York and Mayor of New York City, launched a deadly scheme against the most important member of the military: George Washington himself. This is the story of the secret plot against George Washington and how it was revealed. It is a story of leaders, liars, counterfeiters, and jailhouse confessors. It also shows just how difficult the battle was for George Washington--and how close America was to losing the war. Taking place during the most critical period of our nation's birth, The First Conspiracy tells a remarkable and little known piece of American history. The story not only reveals George Washington's character and leadership in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds against British forces but also illuminates the origins of America's counterintelligence agencies"-- - (Baker & Taylor)
<p><b>Taking place during the most critical period of our nation’s birth, <i>The First Conspiracy</i> tells a remarkable and previously untold piece of American history that not only reveals George Washington’s character, but also illuminates the origins of America’s counterintelligence movement that led to the modern day CIA.<br><br></b>In 1776, an elite group of soldiers were handpicked to serve as George Washington’s bodyguards. Washington trusted them; relied on them. But unbeknownst to Washington, some of them were part of a treasonous plan. In the months leading up to the Revolutionary War, these traitorous soldiers, along with the Governor of New York, William Tryon, and Mayor David Mathews, launched a deadly plot against the most important member of the military: George Washington himself.<br><br>This is the story of the secret plot and how it was revealed. It is a story of leaders, liars, counterfeiters, and jailhouse confessors. It also shows just how hard the battle was for George Washington and how close America was to losing the Revolutionary War.<br><br>In this historical page-turner, <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author Brad Meltzer teams up with American history writer and documentary television producer, Josh Mensch to unravel the shocking true story behind what has previously been a footnote in the pages of history. Drawing on extensive research, Meltzer and Mensch capture in riveting detail how George Washington not only defeated the most powerful military force in the world, but also uncovered the secret plot against him in the tumultuous days leading up to July 4, 1776. <br><br><br>Praise for <i>The First Conspiracy</i>:<br><br>"This is American history at its finest, a gripping story of spies, killers, counterfeiters, traitors and a mysterious prostitute who may or may not have even existed. Anyone with an interest in American history will love this book." —Douglas Preston, #1 bestselling author of <i>The Lost City of the Monkey God</i><br><br>“A wonderful book about leadership and it shows why George Washington and his moral lessons are just as vital today. What a book. You’ll love it.” —former president George H.W. Bush</p> - (McMillan Palgrave)