In The Wake Of America S Hannibal Tracing Benedict Arnold And The 1775 Expedition To Quebec By Canoe

In 1775, Benedict Arnold and an army of 1100 set off into the Maine wilderness. Enduring floods, frostbite, desertion and starvation, they traversed over 300 miles of untraveled wilderness. While ultimately unsuccessful in their attack on Quebec City, Arnold and his men were lauded as "indefatigable" and "famine-proof" for their courageous feat. In 2013, author Sam Brakeley sets out to re-create their journey. While easily evading starvation and hypothermia, he discovers that the 21st century nevertheless brings its own set of challenges. Complete with aggressive land-owners, lascivious women and massive oil spills, we find that life on the river is always exhilarating. Combining 18th and 21st century adventures, Sam Brakeley vividly recreates Arnold's expedition to Quebec while telling his own modern-day saga. With humor, warmth and compassion, he reminds us that by connecting with the past we can more fully experience the present and future.

Two college friends, Sam Brakeley and Andy Rougeot, embark upon a 39-day canoe trip on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail through New England. Rapids, wildlife, and mishaps all add spice to their 740-mile journey, but it is the unique flavor of northern New England and the eclectic individuals who populate the region that make it singularly memorable.

Years before General Benedict Arnold betrayed the American cause, a young officer and attorney named John Brown brought 13 charges of misconduct against him and called for his arrest, Brown was shuttled from one general to another, and finally to George Washington, before powerful politicians decided in Arnold's favor without hearing from Brown or any other witnesses. Historians have continued to ignore the accusations, finding Brown's charges to be false, and even absurd. In fact, some are unquestionably true, and all are worthy of investigation. John Brown was an early hero of the Revolution, a legislator, envoy, spy, and accomplished field officer. His charges and his many proposed witnesses are a starting point for a reevaluation of Arnold's conduct in the war--on his storied march up Maine's Kennebec River to Canada, during the winter siege of Quebec, and at the battles of Valcour Island and Saratoga. What emerges from Brown's charges is a story of deceit and misconduct, and of prominent leaders and historians turning a blind eye in order to maintain exciting myths.