John Haslet's World: An Ardent Patriot, the Delaware Blues, and the Spirit of 1776

Follow along on the journey of Delaware’s Revolutionary War hero, John Haslet, and the legendary regiment he commanded during the 1776 campaign of George Washington’s army.

This is the story of Colonel John Haslet, an Irish immigrant to the American colonies who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for his adopted country. During this pivotal moment in America’s war for independence against Great Britain, a newborn nation struggled to survive against a militarily superior force deployed by a mighty empire. 

This is also a chronicle of the inspirational leadership and service of the Delaware Regiment that Haslet formed and guided, told as part of a more wide-ranging narrative about the 1776 campaign of Washington’s army. That battered but resilient force faced the prospect of total defeat in the winter of 1776–1777 as the quest for American independence hung in the balance.

Praise for JOHN HASLET’S WORLD 

“John Haslet is a largely forgotten yet important figure in the Revolution. David Price has written the definitive treatment of this hero. Crisply written and well-researched, Price has brought Haslet back to life on the printed page.” – Patrick K. O’Donnell, bestselling author of Washington’s Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution

“Delaware's Revolutionary War hero John Haslet should be much better known. I am delighted that David Price has taken on this task! Price's book is both well-written and carefully documented. I highly recommend it!” – Kim Burdick, M.A., M.P.A., founder of the American Revolution Round Table of Northern Delaware and author of Revolutionary Delaware: Independence in the First State  

“David Price has composed an interesting and informative narrative history of Colonel John Haslet and the 1st Delaware Regiment of the Continental Army in the early phase of the Revolutionary War, neither of which should be overlooked or forgotten as we approach the semiquincentennial of our nation's independence.” – Glenn F. Williams, Ph.D., Historian, U.S. Army Center of Military History and author of Dunmore’s War: The Last Conflict of America's Colonial Era and Year of the Hangman: George Washington's Campaign Against the Iroquois

“If there ever was a book about one regiment, one state, that covers the trials and tribulations of the American Revolution, this is one you can’t skip by. The story of the Delaware Continentals is one that is truly amazing! It is almost unbelievable that this one regiment from one of the smallest states impacted the outcome of the Revolution not just once but time after time, each and every year of the war.” – Chris Mlynarczyk, President, 1st Delaware Regiment 

“Colonel John Haslet was the Delaware Continental most likely to attain general officer rank. Instead, he fell valiantly on the battlefield. Now David Price, in this fine biography, leads us on an engaging tour of Haslet’s journey to that fatal encounter. Price chronicles Haslet the minister, physician, planter, politician, and officer from Ireland to Princeton, breathing life into this Renaissance and revolutionary man. Along the way, we learn of Delaware’s colonial history and the Delaware Regiment. But Haslet remains the focus of Price’s well-paced and informative story, offering the subject well-deserved recognition. I highly recommend this book.” – Bill Welsch, President, American Revolution Round Table (ARRT) of Richmond and co-founder of the Congress of ARRTs

“David Price gives his readers a complete picture of the life of John Haslet. This largely forgotten leader not only helped give birth to Delaware's Patriot movement before the war but served as a critical part of the Continental Army's military survival in the early part of the American Revolution. Haslet's military daring and organizational ability showed his potential to become one of the army's top commanders. He likely would have gone on to play an important role in the founding of the new nation. As he gave the last full measure of devotion to make the crucial Princeton campaign a success, the nation owes eternal gratitude to the sacrifice of Colonel Haslet.” – Michael Troy, host of the American Revolution Podcast 

“In this well-chronicled account, David Price tells the story of Revolutionary War hero John Haslet and how his inspiring leadership and sacrifice helped turn the tide of the American Revolution during the ‘Ten Crucial Days’ campaign of 1776-77. David’s work is a great addition for any history enthusiast wanting to learn more about some of the lesser-known heroes of the Revolution, or the ‘Ten Crucial Days.’” – Jennifer Martin, Executive Director, The Friends of Washington Crossing Park  

“’What brave fellows I must this day lose…’ lamented General George Washington as he watched the Delaware Blues bravely stand with the Marylanders against overwhelming odds in the opening battle for New York. Few know of this band of brave men and where they came from. This is the seldom-told story of a newly formed state and the common citizens who selflessly volunteered to serve in Delaware’s Continental regiment. David Price gives us a powerful and concise account of Revolutionary War hero John Haslet and his Delaware Continentals. An inspiring story told by a gifted writer.” – Bill Hampton, international leadership consultant, U.S. Navy veteran, and President, Washington Crossing Chapter, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution 

“David Price’s latest book, on the life and times of John Haslet and his Delaware Regiment during the Revolutionary War, is a flat-out winner. It is easy to read, very informative, and enjoyable. This is a must for those who would like to dig deeper into the human side of the war.” – Thomas Maddock II, Historical Interpreter, Washington Crossing Historic Park