Book review: 'Solved: The Mystery of the General Arnold'

They stood on the Plymouth waterfront, bundled in woolens, their breath smoking in the frigid air. It was blowing so hard, the snow was coming in sideways, pelting their faces as they heard the men's screams through the wail of the storm.

Most didn't know the crew on board the brigantine General Arnold, but they had brothers, fathers, sons and fiancés. The fires of Christmas were still smoldering in their hearths at home where presents had been unwrapped and kisses exchanged.

Now they watched, helplessly, as an unspeakable tragedy unfolded before their eyes.

It was Saturday, Dec. 26, 1778. The General Arnold had sought the haven of Plymouth Harbor during a nor'easter and run aground on White Flat, a treacherous sandbar just northwest of the breakwater. The ship's seams buckled from the impact, and frigid salt water quickly flooded the hull. More than 100 terrified sailors were forced up and onto the raised quarterdeck where the buffeting wind sent waves crashing over them as they trampled one another in the panic that ensued.