A patriot of the War of Independence Connecticut born Ethan Allen was a complex, ruthless, driven personality. He formed 'the Green Mountain Boys' who were little more than a gang of thugs intent on driving legitimate settlers off their land in New York to further his own business interests. Nevertheless he was also a patriot and politician with a clear sense of the potential of an emergent American nation. Allen was instrumental in the creation of state of Vermont. He was quick to respond as the War of Independence broke and in 1775 rapidly took the important fortification at Ticonderoga which had played such a pivotal role during the late French and Indian War. Allen was a canny self publicist and this account of the action at Ticonderoga is written in his own words. Available in softcover and hardcover with dust jacket