ENMU professors publish fifth book of American history

Apr. 4—Two guys who regularly have a game of noontime basketball in Portales have also gotten together to write their fifth American history book.

Eastern New Mexico University professors Donald "Doc" Elder, professor of history, and Michael Shaughnessy, professor of education, wrote "Washington's Generals," stories of 25 commanding officers under George Washington's command during the American Revolution.

Elder said the inspiration for writing the book is the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution coming up in two years, 2025.

Elder said he and Shaughnessy were talking about "other" American generals of the Revolution.

"There were a number of other American generals but few people know their names," Elder said. "Also, there really wasn't anything targeted toward middle schoolers when it comes to history books."

Previous books the two men partnered on were: "50 Most Important Events in American History," "50 Most Important Women in American History," "Interviews with Professor Donald Elder: The Presidents of the United States," and "50 Most Important Americans."

Research for the book didn't take Elder and Shaughnessy to Revolutionary War battlefields or old eastern taverns where battle plans may have been discussed.

"We live in a great age with interlibrary loan and internet materials," Elder said. "We could do our research in the comfort of Portales. Or in Mike's case, Clovis."

With the writing of the book Elder and Shaughnessy sought to bring the backstories of Washington's generals forward.

"Shocking admission for a historian, especially one who teaches history," Elder said. "There were generals, I knew their names but I didn't know their backstory."

One general's story that Elder found interesting was that of Richard Montgomery.

"Montgomery aimed to conquer Canada in 1775," Elder said. "He led the campaign and died in December 1775 trying to conquer Quebec. He actually captured Montreal."

Elder learned Montgomery had been a British general in the French and Indian War. After that war he stayed in the United States rather than return to England.

"One of our biggest discussions was whether or not to include Benedict Arnold in the book," Elder said. Arnold was a notorious traitor to America during the Revolutionary War..

"We came to the conclusion that, yes, he was an American general and as such we needed to include him in our book," Elder said.

"The book acknowledges and recognizes George Washington," Shaughnessy said. "Among his generals were stellar people like Francis Marion, the Marquis de Lafayette, Light Horse Henry Lee. Heard of Fort Knox? There was Henry Knox."

Shaughnessy said the different generals helped the American effort in different ways. He noted after the war they went on to do great things in their own states.

Elder noted that the way the two men work together is that he does the writing, and Shaughnessy asks the questions.

Elder had high praise for his writing partner.

"Shaughnessy is the most published author at ENMU," Elder said. "It's an honor and a privilege to work with a scholar of his caliber."

Shaughnessy has similar regard for Elder.

"We've done a bunch of writing together," Shaughnessy said. "We compliment each other well. Especially from playing noontime basketball."