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Chains Across the River - A Novel of the American Revolution
In the Revolution, a British deserter could become a traitor to the Crown by joining the Continental Army and there become a hero. Chains Across the River tells the enthralling tale of one such soldier, Captain Thomas Machin, a brilliant engineer of flawed character born, educated and trained in England. He enlisted in the British Foot and was posted to Boston, where he saw action at Breed's Hill before deserting to join the Continentals.
Observing Machin's engineering skill and practical bent, Washington ordered Machin to the Hudson River, there to imagine, design and install obstructions to block the British Armada gathering in New York Harbor. Both sides believed control of the river a strategic necessity.
The immensity of Washington's charge was matched by Machin's audacity in imagining obstructions capable of stopping an 850-ton warship under full sail and following tide. He installed a chain at Fort Montgomery and, when the British overran that Fort and cut the chain, he installed another at West Point.
Filling out the story of Thomas Machin are the unforgettable women in his life, Elizabeth Van Horne and Caroline Filippante.
Why historians devote little attention to Machin is explained by what didn't happen on the Hudson. The British cut the first chain without testing it and never sailed against the second. Washington and Machin understood the chain could deter without being tested. In these pages the known facts about Machin have been woven into an Homeric-like tale of daring, adventure, intrigue and triumph.
Observing Machin's engineering skill and practical bent, Washington ordered Machin to the Hudson River, there to imagine, design and install obstructions to block the British Armada gathering in New York Harbor. Both sides believed control of the river a strategic necessity.
The immensity of Washington's charge was matched by Machin's audacity in imagining obstructions capable of stopping an 850-ton warship under full sail and following tide. He installed a chain at Fort Montgomery and, when the British overran that Fort and cut the chain, he installed another at West Point.
Filling out the story of Thomas Machin are the unforgettable women in his life, Elizabeth Van Horne and Caroline Filippante.
Why historians devote little attention to Machin is explained by what didn't happen on the Hudson. The British cut the first chain without testing it and never sailed against the second. Washington and Machin understood the chain could deter without being tested. In these pages the known facts about Machin have been woven into an Homeric-like tale of daring, adventure, intrigue and triumph.
- GenresHistory
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 14, 2021
This is the story of Thomas Machin, an engineer of somewhat flawed character who enlisted in the British Army and was posted to Boston, where he saw action at Breed’s Hill before deserting to join the Rebels. George Washington then ordered Machin to the Hudson River in order to envision and design ways to block the British Armada gathering in New York Harbor, an important strategic position.
This well-researched novel will introduce many to Machin, a lesser-known revolutionary war hero and brilliant engineer. Machin’s friendship with William Knox plays a large part in the novel and is instrumental to the plot. General George Washington figures prominently in this story as well. There are occasionally some paragraphs that read more like a history book than a novel, but the information provided is compelling and has been meticulously researched.
The characters, real and fictional, blend well together in a fascinating tale based on true events. Life as a British enlisted man in the 1770s and the class system in Britain at that time are described in depressing detail, and the reader gets some idea of why Machin decided to desert. There are two women in this novel who figure prominently in the outcome of events. There are also some sexual situations that suggest that women of that time were more adventurous and in control than one might think. Recommended for fans of fiction and history books about the American Revolutionary War.
I received a free copy of this book from Honeycomb Publishers via Historical Novels Review Magazine. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This well-researched novel will introduce many to Machin, a lesser-known revolutionary war hero and brilliant engineer. Machin’s friendship with William Knox plays a large part in the novel and is instrumental to the plot. General George Washington figures prominently in this story as well. There are occasionally some paragraphs that read more like a history book than a novel, but the information provided is compelling and has been meticulously researched.
The characters, real and fictional, blend well together in a fascinating tale based on true events. Life as a British enlisted man in the 1770s and the class system in Britain at that time are described in depressing detail, and the reader gets some idea of why Machin decided to desert. There are two women in this novel who figure prominently in the outcome of events. There are also some sexual situations that suggest that women of that time were more adventurous and in control than one might think. Recommended for fans of fiction and history books about the American Revolutionary War.
I received a free copy of this book from Honeycomb Publishers via Historical Novels Review Magazine. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
February 2, 2021
An illuminating reflection on our history
New York author Bevis Longstreth earned his degrees from Princeton University and Harvard Law School and practiced law in New York City, also serving as Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission 1981 – 1984, and upon retiring from the practice of law he began teaching at Columbia Law School. His articles and books on finance, corporate behavior and the law are numerous, and now he focuses on writing historical fiction novels – SPINDLE AND BOW, RETURN OF THE SHADE, BOATS AGAINST THE CURRENT, and CHAINS ACROSS THE RIVER.
Making history come to life requires not only depth of research into the facts of events but also the timbre of the times and the idiosyncrasies of sociopolitical mores accompanying events. Bevis Longstreth has gained those exigencies and with bravado adds his polished skill in fleshing out the characters that inhabit his novels, making them three dimensional and credible.
Political changes of the moment stimulate even more interest in probing American history precedents, and in this fascinating novel Longstreth underlines the spirit of revolution - the committed strength of the Continentals to repel the invading British forces – by focusing on the ingenuity and skill of British expat Thomas Machlin, whose ‘chains’ across the Hudson River altered the course of the Revolutionary War.
The author’s overview of the plot hints at the drama: ‘In the Revolution, a British deserter could become a traitor to the Crown by joining the Continental Army and there become a hero - Captain Thomas Machin, a brilliant engineer of flawed character born, educated and trained in England. He enlisted in the British Foot and was posted to Boston, where he saw action at Breed's Hill before deserting to join the Continentals. Observing Machin's engineering skill and practical bent, Washington ordered Machin to the Hudson River, there to imagine, design and install obstructions to block the British Armada gathering in New York Harbor. Both sides believed control of the river a strategic necessity. The immensity of Washington's charge was matched by Machin's audacity in imagining obstructions capable of stopping an 850-ton warship under full sail and following tide. He installed a chain at Fort Montgomery and, when the British overran that Fort and cut the chain, he installed another at West Point. Filling out the story of Thomas Machin are the unforgettable women in his life, Elizabeth Van Horne and Caroline Filippante. Why historians devote little attention to Machin is explained by what didn't happen on the Hudson. The British cut the first chain without testing it and never sailed against the second. Washington and Machin understood the chain could deter without being tested.’
Radiant and near poetic prose brings this character and his impact on American history into fine focus, and adding to the spirit of story is a reminder of the ‘immigrant factor’ that this country – all of us – own and honor! This is a major literary feat – highly recommended!
New York author Bevis Longstreth earned his degrees from Princeton University and Harvard Law School and practiced law in New York City, also serving as Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission 1981 – 1984, and upon retiring from the practice of law he began teaching at Columbia Law School. His articles and books on finance, corporate behavior and the law are numerous, and now he focuses on writing historical fiction novels – SPINDLE AND BOW, RETURN OF THE SHADE, BOATS AGAINST THE CURRENT, and CHAINS ACROSS THE RIVER.
Making history come to life requires not only depth of research into the facts of events but also the timbre of the times and the idiosyncrasies of sociopolitical mores accompanying events. Bevis Longstreth has gained those exigencies and with bravado adds his polished skill in fleshing out the characters that inhabit his novels, making them three dimensional and credible.
Political changes of the moment stimulate even more interest in probing American history precedents, and in this fascinating novel Longstreth underlines the spirit of revolution - the committed strength of the Continentals to repel the invading British forces – by focusing on the ingenuity and skill of British expat Thomas Machlin, whose ‘chains’ across the Hudson River altered the course of the Revolutionary War.
The author’s overview of the plot hints at the drama: ‘In the Revolution, a British deserter could become a traitor to the Crown by joining the Continental Army and there become a hero - Captain Thomas Machin, a brilliant engineer of flawed character born, educated and trained in England. He enlisted in the British Foot and was posted to Boston, where he saw action at Breed's Hill before deserting to join the Continentals. Observing Machin's engineering skill and practical bent, Washington ordered Machin to the Hudson River, there to imagine, design and install obstructions to block the British Armada gathering in New York Harbor. Both sides believed control of the river a strategic necessity. The immensity of Washington's charge was matched by Machin's audacity in imagining obstructions capable of stopping an 850-ton warship under full sail and following tide. He installed a chain at Fort Montgomery and, when the British overran that Fort and cut the chain, he installed another at West Point. Filling out the story of Thomas Machin are the unforgettable women in his life, Elizabeth Van Horne and Caroline Filippante. Why historians devote little attention to Machin is explained by what didn't happen on the Hudson. The British cut the first chain without testing it and never sailed against the second. Washington and Machin understood the chain could deter without being tested.’
Radiant and near poetic prose brings this character and his impact on American history into fine focus, and adding to the spirit of story is a reminder of the ‘immigrant factor’ that this country – all of us – own and honor! This is a major literary feat – highly recommended!
April 21, 2021
Well crafted fictional retelling that brings history to life!
Bevis Longstreth, graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, adjunct professor at Columbia Law School, and former Commissioner of the Security and Exchange Commission, brings the reader his fourth historical fiction novel, Chains Across the River. Longstreth writes his novels from a great fascination with and passion for history. Writing these novels allows him to apply the research skills learned across decades as a lawyer to the art of telling a story set in a specific historic time period. His works have spanned the centuries, from 5th century BC to the Great Depression of the 1930s. In Chains Across the River, Longstreth turns his eye for historically interesting characters to the real life Revolutionary War figure, Thomas Machin.
Upon the framework of the historic details of Machin’s life, Longstreth forges a fictional tale of risk, romance, intrigue, espionage, danger, and deceit. The story opens with Machin as a soldier in the British Army, contemplating desertion. Machin is an engineer by training and a liar by habit, whose fabrication of stories continues even when he is caught. With some help, he deserts from the British army and joins the Continental forces. While his skills as an engineer had been unused by the British army, the Continentals eagerly give him a chance to apply his training. They must find a way to obstruct the Hudson River, keeping British ships from passing, blocking cooperation with forces from Canada, and controlling it on behalf of the Patriots. Many options are considered, but in the end Tom is entrusted with the gargantuan task of designing and installing a 35 ton, 1650 foot long chain across the river.
Along the way, he gets involved with the fascinating Lisa Van Horne, a woman well before her time, and together they plot acts of intrigue and espionage against their enemy. Though the Van Hornes have remained neutral, Lisa is a revolutionary. But are her loyalties to America, or primarily to herself? Pressures mount on the river chain project, the threat from the British is imminent, and tension grows between Tom and Lisa. Will Tom’s habitual deceit be the undoing of their relationship? Will the chain across the river hold? Can they thwart the British and secure the Hudson River for the Continental forces?
In Chains Across the River, Longstreth brings history to life. His well crafted novel draws from a familiar and important time period, introducing aspects of it which never get taught in history class. Though I love history, I had never learned about this fascinating engineering feat and bid to control the Hudson River. Longstreth effortly mixes historic detail from his research with skilled characterization to create a story of suspense that will keep you hooked till the end. Readers who are interested in Revolutionary War history, engineering, or enjoy a story full of suspense and adventure will love this book!
Bevis Longstreth, graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, adjunct professor at Columbia Law School, and former Commissioner of the Security and Exchange Commission, brings the reader his fourth historical fiction novel, Chains Across the River. Longstreth writes his novels from a great fascination with and passion for history. Writing these novels allows him to apply the research skills learned across decades as a lawyer to the art of telling a story set in a specific historic time period. His works have spanned the centuries, from 5th century BC to the Great Depression of the 1930s. In Chains Across the River, Longstreth turns his eye for historically interesting characters to the real life Revolutionary War figure, Thomas Machin.
Upon the framework of the historic details of Machin’s life, Longstreth forges a fictional tale of risk, romance, intrigue, espionage, danger, and deceit. The story opens with Machin as a soldier in the British Army, contemplating desertion. Machin is an engineer by training and a liar by habit, whose fabrication of stories continues even when he is caught. With some help, he deserts from the British army and joins the Continental forces. While his skills as an engineer had been unused by the British army, the Continentals eagerly give him a chance to apply his training. They must find a way to obstruct the Hudson River, keeping British ships from passing, blocking cooperation with forces from Canada, and controlling it on behalf of the Patriots. Many options are considered, but in the end Tom is entrusted with the gargantuan task of designing and installing a 35 ton, 1650 foot long chain across the river.
Along the way, he gets involved with the fascinating Lisa Van Horne, a woman well before her time, and together they plot acts of intrigue and espionage against their enemy. Though the Van Hornes have remained neutral, Lisa is a revolutionary. But are her loyalties to America, or primarily to herself? Pressures mount on the river chain project, the threat from the British is imminent, and tension grows between Tom and Lisa. Will Tom’s habitual deceit be the undoing of their relationship? Will the chain across the river hold? Can they thwart the British and secure the Hudson River for the Continental forces?
In Chains Across the River, Longstreth brings history to life. His well crafted novel draws from a familiar and important time period, introducing aspects of it which never get taught in history class. Though I love history, I had never learned about this fascinating engineering feat and bid to control the Hudson River. Longstreth effortly mixes historic detail from his research with skilled characterization to create a story of suspense that will keep you hooked till the end. Readers who are interested in Revolutionary War history, engineering, or enjoy a story full of suspense and adventure will love this book!
February 3, 2021
The Machin Chains
This powerful and historically accurate book by retired international lawyer Bevis Longstreth tells the story of the incredible Machin Chains. Bevis Longstreth has previously authored three books of historical fiction, Spindle and Bow, Return of the Shade, and Boats Against the Current. Father to three children, and grandfather to nine, he lives in New York with his wife Clara, and dog McKenzie.
The protagonist, British born Captain Thomas Machin, was a brilliant engineer, enlisted in the British Foot, and posted to Boston, Massachusetts. However, disgruntled and disillusioned, the redcoat deserted, and like many others joined the patriots of the Continental Army.
Hearing of Thomas Machin, and impressed, in 1776 General George Washington summoned him and instructed him to design and install obstructions to stop the British Armada gathering in New York Harbour. This was an important commission because the Hudson River was an essential transportation route for the British. The waterway enabled the New England colonies to receive essential supplies, and therefore its obstruction would disunite them from their other colonies.
Thomas Machin, rose to the challenge, and the Machin Chains were conceived. However, their construction and installation proved to be a mammoth task. It is through the transportation and installation of these, and other events, that the readers learn a lot about the hardships and life of the Continental Army soldiers. Notwithstanding the adversity and obstacles involved, 'The Great Chain' at West Point, was never breached, and remained in place until the end of the American Revolution.
Thomas Machin had two important women in his life, Elizabeth Van Horne (Lisa,) and Caroline Filippante. It is through his relationships with these women that the readers discover more about the women of this era. Certainly these two add spice to the story, and definitely dissolve the image of demure young ladies. They were strong, scheming, fearless females, and their antics and those of their families provide interesting insights as to how the upper classes ‘survived’ the revolution.
‘Chains Across the River,’ is the exciting tale of how a British deserters engineering accomplishments were an important contribution towards the American War of Independence. It will appeal to lovers of historical fiction. Highly recommended.
This powerful and historically accurate book by retired international lawyer Bevis Longstreth tells the story of the incredible Machin Chains. Bevis Longstreth has previously authored three books of historical fiction, Spindle and Bow, Return of the Shade, and Boats Against the Current. Father to three children, and grandfather to nine, he lives in New York with his wife Clara, and dog McKenzie.
The protagonist, British born Captain Thomas Machin, was a brilliant engineer, enlisted in the British Foot, and posted to Boston, Massachusetts. However, disgruntled and disillusioned, the redcoat deserted, and like many others joined the patriots of the Continental Army.
Hearing of Thomas Machin, and impressed, in 1776 General George Washington summoned him and instructed him to design and install obstructions to stop the British Armada gathering in New York Harbour. This was an important commission because the Hudson River was an essential transportation route for the British. The waterway enabled the New England colonies to receive essential supplies, and therefore its obstruction would disunite them from their other colonies.
Thomas Machin, rose to the challenge, and the Machin Chains were conceived. However, their construction and installation proved to be a mammoth task. It is through the transportation and installation of these, and other events, that the readers learn a lot about the hardships and life of the Continental Army soldiers. Notwithstanding the adversity and obstacles involved, 'The Great Chain' at West Point, was never breached, and remained in place until the end of the American Revolution.
Thomas Machin had two important women in his life, Elizabeth Van Horne (Lisa,) and Caroline Filippante. It is through his relationships with these women that the readers discover more about the women of this era. Certainly these two add spice to the story, and definitely dissolve the image of demure young ladies. They were strong, scheming, fearless females, and their antics and those of their families provide interesting insights as to how the upper classes ‘survived’ the revolution.
‘Chains Across the River,’ is the exciting tale of how a British deserters engineering accomplishments were an important contribution towards the American War of Independence. It will appeal to lovers of historical fiction. Highly recommended.
March 15, 2021
"Chains Across the River-A Novel of the American Revolution", by Bevis Longstreth, is an amazing historical novel full of rich detail and a captivating plot. History comes alive in Longstreth's hands, giving you a front-row seat to the drama and intrigue of the Revolution. On a prefatory note, a British deserter was considered a trailer by the Crown during the Revolution, if he became part of the Continental Army. But this would make him a hero too. Captain Thomas Machin is one of those hero soldiers. Though he inhabits character flaws, he's a genius engineer whose training and education occurred in England. Before his desertion to join the Continentals, he was enlisted in the British Foot. His post was in Boston, and he saw action at Breed's Hill.
This is where the novel gets even more interesting, as Washington orders him to the Hudson River after seeing his engineering prowess. At the Hudson, he creates, designs, and plants obstacles that would prevent the British Armada from joining in New York Harbor. Literal chains. Controlling the river was a crucial strategy for both sides. Machin's brilliant skills knew no bounds, and Washington exploited him in the best sense of the word, making Machin one of the Revolution's best weapons, or defense tactics. Besides getting to know Machin, Washington, and the events surrounding the Revolution, we are also introduced to Elizabeth and Caroline, two women who played a huge part in his life. The passages about these women help show another side of Machin, which lends to the well-roundedness of his character.
This writer has a talent for taking history and relating it to readers in a personal, dramatic way. His descriptions satisfy the senses, and his attention to detail is so particular that you are informed as well as entertained. He is also skilled at explaining technical or military facts and concepts, so that the casual fan of historical novels can understand. Longstreth combines fact with fiction, and the result is pure magic. "Chains Across the River-A Novel of the American Revolution", by Bevis Longstreth, is a nail-biting history adventure not to be missed.
This is where the novel gets even more interesting, as Washington orders him to the Hudson River after seeing his engineering prowess. At the Hudson, he creates, designs, and plants obstacles that would prevent the British Armada from joining in New York Harbor. Literal chains. Controlling the river was a crucial strategy for both sides. Machin's brilliant skills knew no bounds, and Washington exploited him in the best sense of the word, making Machin one of the Revolution's best weapons, or defense tactics. Besides getting to know Machin, Washington, and the events surrounding the Revolution, we are also introduced to Elizabeth and Caroline, two women who played a huge part in his life. The passages about these women help show another side of Machin, which lends to the well-roundedness of his character.
This writer has a talent for taking history and relating it to readers in a personal, dramatic way. His descriptions satisfy the senses, and his attention to detail is so particular that you are informed as well as entertained. He is also skilled at explaining technical or military facts and concepts, so that the casual fan of historical novels can understand. Longstreth combines fact with fiction, and the result is pure magic. "Chains Across the River-A Novel of the American Revolution", by Bevis Longstreth, is a nail-biting history adventure not to be missed.
April 22, 2021
I have read hundreds of history books but generally shy away from historical novels. However, I am so glad Chains Across the River came across my radar screen. Bevis Longstreth’s novel about the American Revolution is energetic, informative, enlightening, inspiring and, above all, the kind of book one hopes will go on and on and on. The book kept me engaged with detailed explanations, interesting revelations and surprises around every corner. I looked forward to opening Chains Across the River each day and now want to read Mr. Longstreth’s three other historical novels.
Told mainly from the perspective of a British soldier/engineer who switches sides, one encounters real and fictional characters as both sides seek tactical and strategic advantage during the first two years of the conflict. The story focuses on control of the key Hudson River Valley, running south from Canada to New York, and the effort by the Americans, short of everything, to create a chain barrier to prevent the powerful British Royal Navy from using it as a main cable to destroy the recalcitrant colonials.
I especially liked the intriguing scenes when British and American Generals happen to meet at the neutral ground of a prominent family home, a place of where deception, spying and seduction went hand in hand with hospitality. Within the context of the battles and efforts to engineer the chain barrier, both explained with fantastic detail, one gets a view into the personalities of George Washington, Henry Knox and many other real players in this world changing drama.
This is a reminder of how so many risked so much for their and our freedoms, something we must never forget and seek to preserve.
Brad Butler, Author of A World Flight Over Russia
Told mainly from the perspective of a British soldier/engineer who switches sides, one encounters real and fictional characters as both sides seek tactical and strategic advantage during the first two years of the conflict. The story focuses on control of the key Hudson River Valley, running south from Canada to New York, and the effort by the Americans, short of everything, to create a chain barrier to prevent the powerful British Royal Navy from using it as a main cable to destroy the recalcitrant colonials.
I especially liked the intriguing scenes when British and American Generals happen to meet at the neutral ground of a prominent family home, a place of where deception, spying and seduction went hand in hand with hospitality. Within the context of the battles and efforts to engineer the chain barrier, both explained with fantastic detail, one gets a view into the personalities of George Washington, Henry Knox and many other real players in this world changing drama.
This is a reminder of how so many risked so much for their and our freedoms, something we must never forget and seek to preserve.
Brad Butler, Author of A World Flight Over Russia
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