Bernardo de Galvez in Louisiana, 1776-1783

Spanish colonial governor Bernardo de Gï¿1/2lvez gained the respect and admiration of the citizens of both Louisiana and the newly formed United States for his vigorous, capable leadership and military action during the American Revolutionary War. This comprehensive study follows Gï¿1/2lvez's career in Louisiana and the important role he played in the war, a role often left out of American history books.Divided into three sections, the book includes the history of Spain's governance in Louisiana before Gï¿1/2lvez, his governorship, and his brief career as viceroy of New Spain before his death in 1789. Though a large portion of the text focuses on Gï¿1/2lvez's military campaigns, which were the only battles west of the Allegheny Mountains during the American Revolution, the account also chronicles his daily colonial struggles, such as how to keep Louisiana safe from Indian attacks. A bibliography with notes about the location of records consulted and a portrait of Gï¿1/2lvez round out the biography. This thorough, well-researched, and readable work is an essential for any history lover's collection.