IntroductionDescribes in brief form the life of Kirkwood and how a biography of him will enhance our understanding of the War of Independence and the Early Republic.PrefaceExamines the biographies of various secondary figures in the Continental Army in order support why a biography of Kirkwood is necessary. AcknowledgementsRecognition of people and institutions who aided in the production of the work. Chapter 1-Youth and Early Life This chapter covers Kirkwood's family history, his birth and early experiences in Delaware. It highlights the experiences that may have led him to join the Patriot side in the coming conflict. Chapter 2-1775-Joining the ContinentalsYoung Robert joins the Delaware Regiment of the Continental Army. Chapter 3-1776-A Year of TrialsKirkwood marches to New York and experiences his first combats in the fighting around the city. Chapter 4-1777-Defending Kith and KinThe role of the Delaware continentals and the fighting in the Philadelphia campaign is examined.
Chapter 5-1778-79- With an Army ResurrectedRobert's experiences of the training at Valley Forge, von Steuben's new regimen, and the Monmouth campaign are covered, as is the stalemate in the north that followed. Chapter 6-1780-Southern WillowsThe move of the Delaware Continentals southward and their initial defeats form the core topics of this chapter. Gates's defeat at Camden to his eventual replacement by Nathanael Greene close out the chapter. Chapter 7-1781-Southern LaurelsThe changes under Greene's command begin the chapter. The high point is Dan Morgan's outstanding tactical and strategic victory at Cowpens. The Race to the Dan is covered as well. The chapter closes setting the stage for Yorktown. Chapter 8-Victory and the Return HomeRobert Kirkwood's participation in the Siege of Yorktown and the British surrender begin the chapter.
His return to Delaware following the capitulation of the Crown forces closes it out.Chapter 9-The Call of the FrontierRobert's initial ventures in farming in Delaware following the war open the chapter. His claim for his land bounty in the Northwest Territory and participation in the fighting against Little Turtle's Confederacy are detail, as is his death in the battle of St Clair's Defeat. ConclusionSummarizes Kirkwood's life as a reflection of the hopes and aspirations of the Revolutionary generation as well as the dedication to duty that characterized him personally. Notes, Bibliography, Index, Illustrations.