Dale Lee Sumner

The Forgotten Marines Dale Lee Sumner

*** PAPERBACK ANNOTATED EDITION *** Oddly enough, the United States Marines' role during the capture of John Brown at Harper's Ferry, October 1859, has been wholly overlooked and virtually forgotten- even by the Marines themselves. - - - Why were the Marines sent? Who were they? How were they organized? How did they prepare for the journey to Harper's Ferry? (Harpers Ferry is our modern spelling of the town's name. What happened to the apostrophe in "Harper's" after our Civil War is an unsolved mystery.) - - - What credibly took place after the Marines arrived? What kind of a wooden ladder could do what three heavy sledgehammers could not? How and why did the sword that struck down John Brown bend? As one studies the Marines' involvement in this bygone confrontation, more and more questions present themselves and demand explanation. - - - Now, one hundred and sixty-one years after the event, this historical novel offers an in-depth look at the actions of those heroic, but forgotten, Marines. Although fictional dialogue has been incorporated to give "life" to the story, historical accuracy has been preserved as correctly as possible. - - - This edition includes over 300 informational annotations (incorporated within the text instead of at the back of the book), which are intended to provide each reader with appreciable knowledge about the Marines of the era, their history, and their general military lifestyle. The annotations will also enhance the reader's knowledge about the B& O Railroad, the town of Harper's Ferry, the U. S. Armory/Arsenal, and John Brown's Raid. - - - The complementing 48-page Appendix also provides visually enlightening material that will increase the readers' enjoyment beyond the storyline and, hopefully, entice many to seek more information about the historical facts presented herein.