I was both happy and sad to see that Tim Cook, whose work I respected and admired, reviewed my book for the Literary Review of Canada.

“This is a good book that has arrived at an opportune time,” he wrote.

But coming so soon after the announcement of his death, the moment felt bittersweet.

He was Canada’s preeminent military historian, the author of 19 books that told us who we are and where we came from. He is already missed.

#cdahist #cdaus #hedidnotconquer #history #canada

https://reviewcanada.ca/magazine/2025/12/how-vain-an-attempt-review-he-did-not-conquer/

On this day 250 years ago, Canadians were at war with American invaders and with each other. American colonists had exported their civil war north, enticing some Canadians to fight with them against the British whereas others fought to defend the imperial power. It was a divisive invasion that ultimately failed.

Yet success seemed within the Americans’ grasp on Nov. 11, 1775. Troops led by the rebel general, Richard Montgomery, had finally taken Fort St. Jean on the Richelieu River and were nearing the gates of Montreal. It lay undefended after Guy Carleton, the colonial governor, fled in the night with his small garrison to Quebec City.

Philip Schuyler, the general in charge of the invasion, wrote the Continental Congress on Nov. 11 to say that “our affairs wear so favourable an aspect in Canada, that if Colonel Arnold should penetrate to Quebeck, the whole country will, in all probability, be in our hands soon.” It did not work out that way.

#hedidnotconquer #cdahist #cdaus @dundurnpress #history

Most authors like talking about their books. But it is especially fun when you have an interested and informed group to talk to. I had that this evening with the Friends of Lifelong Learning of Ottawa-Carleton at the Glebe Centre. Lots of challenging and in-depth questions. Thanks for inviting me!

#hedidnotconquer #cdahist #cdaus @dundurnpress

“What think you of a North American Monarchy?” John Adams, one of the founding fathers, asked a friend in October 1775. “Suppose We should appoint a Continental King, and a Continental House of Lords, and a Continental House of Commons, to be annually, or triennially or Septennially elected?”

Adams made clear this wasn’t his idea. But, he said, it was being “whispered about in Coffee Houses” and had some supporters.

Two things to note: Some American colonists were already thinking in terms of controlling the continent. The invasion of Canada had already begun. Second, the idea of a North American wearing a kingly crown did not begin with Donald Trump.

#hedidnotconquer #cdaus #cdahist

Had a good time speaking this week with Tom Fournier @tom4141tom of the History Symposium about my book, He Did Not Conquer: Benjamin Franklin’s Failure to Annex Canada.

Our interests are complementary: He specializes in the War of 1812, whereas one of my chapters focusses on the invasion of Canada in 1775.

I even got to show a lot of old maps, which make it so much easier to understand the long-standing conflict in North America. Thanks for having me on, Tom!

#cdahist #cdaus #cdapoli #hedidnotconquer

https://youtu.be/IySBOsrhFE8?si=ZNcMfZIVH6wNa5xK