Bruce Mowday, Author at Bruce E. Mowday

Recent suspicion that British General Howe violated orders preceding battle of Brandywine proves to be false

By Bruce E. Mowday

As the country has been celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States, I’ve also been reading and researching our historic past. Part of my reading included new books by historians H. W. Brands and Eric Metaxas.

Since I’ve authored three books in connection with the Battle of Brandywine, I closely followed the information on the Revolutionary War engagement centered at Chadds Ford. American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington by Brands and Revolution by Metaxas both address Howe at Brandywine. One belief is that Howe violated a direct order by his superior, Lord George Germain, and pursued the Philadelphia campaign rather than going north to assist British General John Burgoyne.

Since Burgoyne lost the pivotal battle of Saratoga and surrendered his army to the Americans, King George III, Germain and Parliament would have immediately recalled Howe and publicly vilified the general if he had violated a direct order. He did not.

The last missive from Germain to Howe stated that Howe as to go south (Howe was in New York City at the time and Philadelphia is south of New York City) and then north if he had an opportunity to do so. Clearly, Howe was authorized to go south and capture the American capital of Philadelphia.

British planning for the 1777 campaign began in late 1776. Howe proposed the two-pronged approach for the coming fighting. Burgoyne would handle the difficult New England colonies and Howe would capture Philadelphia. Howe believed many loyalists in Philadelphia strongly supported King George. With his army ensconced in the rebel capital city, those loyalists would overthrow Washington. Capturing an enemy’s capital was tantamount to ending the war in the 1700s.

Germain approved Howe’s battle plans. Howe did have second thoughts after Washington’s spectacular victories in December. Maybe the rebels were stronger than expected. Howe wrote to Germain about altering plans and having Burgoyne combine with his army. Germain never responded to Howe’s second suggestion.

According to Brandt, Howe wrote to Germain just before the Philadelphia campaign began, “I purpose to invade Pennsylvania by sea.” The April 2, 1777, statement was made by Howe during one of his many requests for additional troops. King George III had expressed concern that Howe’s taking of Philadelphia would put at risk Burgoyne’s attack on the Hudson and New England. Germain, Brandt stated, tactfully told King George that Howe was going to take Philadelphia and hold the city.

When I visited the British Public Records Office, akin to our National Archives, in London while researching my book September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia, I asked about the second request. I was told many British historians were not sure why Germain didn’t respond. I was told maybe he had confidence in Howe’s original plan. One person said maybe Germain put the second letter in his desk and forgot about it.

Metaxas wrote, “Germain in letters to Howe was never quite clear enough in what he expected of Howe. He mentioned that Howe was expected to sail north up the Hudson to aid Burgoyne, but he never clearly said that this should take priority over going to Philadelphia. He somehow left this ambiguous, perhaps because he knew that the Howes had close family ties to King George III, and he felt uncomfortable unequivocally ordering them to do anything, preferring to deferentially give them the freedom to make what decisions they thought best.”

Clearly, Howe didn’t violate any orders from London. He claimed his stated prize of Philadelphia.

(Author Bruce E. Mowday wrote the first extensive look at Brandywine, September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia. He also wrote Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero and Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest. For all of Mowday’s books, see www.mowday.com.)

August 27, 2026

Anniversary of pivotal Battle of Brandywine

takes center stage in upcoming presentations

by Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday

Mowday has 17 presentations in September and October

EAST GOSHEN _ With the anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, author Bruce E. Mowday scheduled multiple presentations on his books on Brandywine and Lafayette.

Mowday authored the first full-length book on Brandywine, September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia. He’s also wrote Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero and Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest.

“Brandywine is a pivotal event in America and should be remembered,” Mowday said. “In this 250^th anniversary year of the founding of the United States, we should recall and study Brandywine. Certainly at Brandywine, Lafayette, who did so much to help to obtain freedom, put his life in jeopardy to establish our freedom and independence.”

On September 9, Mowday will give a talk on the importance of Brandywine to our independence at 6:30 p.m. at Historic Rock Ford in Lancaster. Mowday will talk on the same topic on September 11, the 249^th anniversary of the Revolutionary War battle, at Freedom Village in Coatesville at 1:00 p.m.

In the next two months, Mowday has 17 presentations and book signings scheduled, including nine on Brandywine and Lafayette. Two of the events take place at Brandywine and Yorktown. Lafayette played an important role in the American victory over the British at Yorktown.

For all of Mowday’s events, see www.mowday.com.

Besides the Rock Ford and Freedom Village talks, Mowday will speak on Lafayette at the West Grove Library on September 10 at 6:30 p.m., on September 12 at 10 a.m. at the Downingtown Library, on October 9 at 2:00 p.m. at Cross Keys, New Oxford, on October 13 before the PSEA at Penn Oaks Country Club at noon, October 15 at New London, York Hall, Yorktown on October 19, and on October 29 at Applebrook Meadows.

On September 11 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Mowday will do a special signing during North East, MD, Second Friday celebration at Kathy’s Corner Shop. On September 19, Mowday will participate in Chadds Ford Days on the Brandywine battlefield from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. On September 26, Mowday will sign books at Paoli Heritage Day from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the battlefield in Malvern.

Two talks are scheduled on Mowday’s Stealing Wyeth book. On September 23 at 1:00 p.m. he will be at St. Michael Lutheran Church, Unionville, and October 28 at Shannondale at 2:00 p.m. Mowday has written four true crime books on the Wyeth art theft, the murders of two Kennett Square policemen, the escape of crab-walking murderer from Chester County prison and the mass murderers Johnston brothers.

All of his books are listed on his website, www.mowday.com. To schedule a talk, contact mowday at mowday@mowday.com.

Two other events include a talk at New Story Church on September 17 and a signing at Gettysburg Heritage Center on October 17 from noon until 4:00 p.m. The Gettysburg event centers on his book Gettysburg Mysteries and More. Mowday has written five books on the Civil War, including four on Gettysburg.

Mowday will take part in a special book signing at Alfred Rasch’s Disfunctional store in Malvern on October 8 from noon until 3:00 p.m. “I did a signing at Alfred’s store earlier this year and had a wonderful time. His store is eclectic and fun.”

July 4^th Declaration

on the 250^th anniversary

of the founding of the United States

By Bruce E. Mowday

At the conclusion of the American Revolution, various leaders paraphrased a quote attributed to Greek playwright Euripides. “It is easier to win freedom than to preserve it.”

As the United States celebrates its 250^th anniversary on July 4, freedom still reigns. We should all rejoice.

At times, the nation’s history was rocky and the very existence of the Republic was in jeopardy. Mistakes were made and rectified. The accomplishments and the establishment of freedom and independence far outweigh the nation’s negatives. Compromise and self-interests by those in power or seeking favor inevitably lead to imperfect decisions. Preserving freedom, independence and the Republic is a struggle and will continue to be a battle. Founding Father George Washington said as much during Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.

This year constitutes a great opportunity to introduce to our citizens our history. I write introduce because, sadly, so many of us have no idea of the struggles, sacrifices, deprivation and delicate deliberations that resulted in the founding of our nation. In this aspect, our educational system has miserably failed. One local university instructor stated a vast majority of her students admitted they never read the Constitution or Declaration of Independence. During a conference for ROTC cadets in Philadelphia earlier this year, the group had no knowledge of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They weren’t entirely sure what the 250^th was commemorating.

Karen Simmons and the Chester County Community Foundation are applauded for its Dare to Declare drive to have the Declaration read at county events. An inspiring and patriotic rendition of the Declaration of Independence by community leaders took place at Longwood Gardens in June. The reading preceded the Brandywine Valley Symphony’s Made in America concert featuring America’s music. For the first time, the symphony played An American Dream, a piece by Composer Aaron Fullan commissioned by the symphony. The Longwood evening was a true community celebration of America.

Reading the latest book by H. W. Brands will go a long way to understanding the founding of the United States. Brands, a University of Texas history professor, has long been one of my favorite history authors. His writing style engages, instructs and entertains the reader. Some weeks ago Brands spoke at West Chester University on his new release, American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington.

Schools would enhance students’ knowledge by making American Patriarch a required reading. One reviewer of Brands’s book, University of Richmond professor emeritus George R. Goethals, wrote, “Brands deftly weaves into his narrative extensive excerpts from diaries, letters, speeches, and publications, providing unequaled insight into what Washington saw, heard, read, thought and did during crucial points in his life and the life of the new nation he did more than anyone else to create.”

Another book I was urged to read is Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World by Eric Metaxas. Metaxas doesn’t pull any punches, I was told. I’ve read some of the detailed work.

Recently, I gave a Chester County history talk at the 250^th celebration of Highland Township. This was a community celebration of shared history and accomplishments. A cheer for Highland and other civic-minded groups and organizations hosting such events highlighting our history. By attending, citizens have an opportunity to enhance their understanding of our communities and our history.

The Church of the Saviour in Wayne requested a talk on the common soldier at Valley Forge. The subject is wonderful. This year we’ll hear a lot about Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and other notable leaders. Those who quietly sacrificed, soldiers and civilians, shouldn’t be forgotten. After giving my talk Common Soldiers: Uncommon Heroes in Delaware in June, I heard one of the attendees tell her friend that “veterans” should be the focus of the 250^th festivities.

Our celebration should encompass history and the individuals who made this county great.

Our freedom is not guaranteed. Beginning in 1776, our continued existence was questioned. When President Washington suffered from a severe illness early in his first term in office, Abigail Adams wrote, “I saw a hydra head before me – envy, jealousy, ambition and all the baneful passions in league.” Adams feared if Washington died, all of our newly won freedom would vanish without his leadership.

In this celebratory year, Americans should be thankful for our freedom, understand the genesis of this country and defeat those who make up today’s hydra head, just as Hercules did in Greek mythology.

(Bruce E. Mowday is a Chester County award-winning author and newspaper reporter. The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution bestowed on Mowday the “1776-2026 DAR America 250! Commendation” for his “extraordinary effort in raising awareness of Revolutionary Patriots and America’s 250^th anniversary.” He is scheduled to give more than 60 presentations this year. For more information on Mowday and his books, see www.mowday.com.

June 1, 2026

Author Bruce E. Mowday takes part in 250^th celebrations

across Chester County, throughout Pennsylvania,

Delaware and Maryland during July 4 holiday

Amazon lists 11 Mowday books in top 1% during May

EAST GOSHEN _ In the coming weeks, East Goshen author Bruce E. Mowday will take part in a number of 250^th celebrations throughout the region, including events in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Delaware.

“Our country needs to remember our history and why we are the land of freedom and independence,” Mowday said. “I’m so honored to be asked to contribute by the various organizations.”

Mowday’s first event is Tuesday at Widener University where he is leading on OLLI class on Common Soldiers: Uncommon Heroes. “The talk developed from a request to talk about the experience of the soldiers at Valley Forge in 1777 and 1778. I’ve expanded the presentation to include comments on other conflicts, soldiers and families. A number of organizations have requested the talk and I’ve presented on the subject in prior months.”

On June 20 at Highland Township and June 23 at Harbor Chase in Delaware, Mowday will present on Common Soldiers: Uncommon Heroes. He is scheduled to give a zoom talk as part of the Celebrating America’s 250^th celebration for the Ashland Library in Massachusetts on June 29. On July 8, Mowday is speaking on the subject at Brandywine Hundred Library at 7:00 p.m. Talks are scheduled on July 27 at Cross Keys, New Oxford, at 10:00 a.m. and on July 29 at the West Grove Library at 6:30 p.m.

Mowday’s book Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero is the subject of two talks before the Daughters of the American Revolution. On June 10 at 10:00 a.m., Mowday will be at the Great Valley Presbyterian Church and June 13 at the Berks County chapter at the Reading Country Club at noon. He will also talk on Lafayette at the Hershey’s Mill book club on July 16.

“Besides the history talks, I have some special presentations and signings upcoming in the next few weeks,” Mowday said. “I’m hoping to meet many people during my appearances.”

Mowday will sign books on June 18 from noon until 3 p.m. at Dishfunctional, 225 Lancaster Ave., Malvern. “This is a unique setting. Alfred Rasch’s store has an amazing array of dishes, vintage décor, jewelry and unique collectibles. Alfred said he may even have some refreshments.”

On July 4, the nation’s birthday, Mowday will be at Kathy’s Corner Store, 100 Main Street, North East, MD., from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. He’s corresponding with North East representatives about signing books at the town’s gala fireworks display on the evening of July 3.

Mowday will make an appearance on July 11 at White Chimneys, Route 30 in Lancaster County, from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. to sign books.

Barnes & Noble, Exton Main Street, hosts Mowday for a 250^th signing on June 20 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Mowday has three talks upcoming on his true crime books. Mowday will talk about Stealing Wyeth on June 3 at Marsh Harbour Book Club at 7:00 p.m. and at Mt. Gretna on July 10 at 7:00 p.m. On June 11 at 12:45 p.m. at The Gathering Place, Kennett Square, he talks about A Killer at the Door and the escape of convicted murderer Danilo Cavalcante from Chester County Prison.

“May was a wonderful month for my books on Amazon,” Mowday said. “Amazon lists more than 44 million titles. At some point in the month, 11 of my books were in the top 1% of books sold. And another two books were in the top 2%.

The books:

Small-Town Cops in the Crosshairs on May 12 at 173,549.

Jailing the Johnson Gang on May 22 at 188,468.

Downingtown on May 7 at 310,679.

Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero on May29 at 337,179.

Coatesville on May 18 at 374,173.

Emotional Brandywine on May 26 at 387,216.

Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story on May 14 at 398,607.

Stealing Wyeth on May 15 at 399,939.

Emotional Gettysburg on May 20 at 406,257.

Gettysburg Mysteries and More on May 6 at 406,390.

September 11, 1777 on May 15 at 422,691.

A Killer at the Door on May 31 at 517,333,132

Howard Wert’s Gettysburg on May 31 at 546,161.

For more information on Mowday’s books, see www.mowday.com. To order a signed copy or schedule a talk or signing, contact mowday at mowday@mowday.com.

Bruce E. Mowday is an award-winning author and newspaper reporter. He has authored more than 25 books on history, sports, business and true crime. He is a Consulting Producer with Lionsgate/Blackfin productions in connection with a documentary on his new book, Killer at the Door.

In 2025, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution bestowed on Mowday the “1776-2026 DAR America 250! Commendation” for his “extraordinary effort in raising awareness of Revolutionary Patriots and America’s 250^th anniversary.” Mowday severed as chair of the American Friends of Lafayette’s Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. He is a member of Chester County’s 250^th Commission.

Mowday has appeared on television and radio shows, including The Spark of PBS member station WITF, Counter Culture, a PBS Emmy-winning show, the Discovery ID channel, ReelZ network, C-SPAN, the Pennsylvania Cable Network, Hollywood and Beyond, the Opperman Report, Our American Heritage, Whatcha Got, Journey into the Civil War, Chronicles of the American Civil War, WGAL’s In Focus, the United Kingdom’s Tall Boys, and local television and radio stations.

April 20, 2026

Brandywine Valley Symphony debuts

America 250^th celebration commission

during Longwood Gardens performance

An American Dream, A Symphonic Salute to America250

to be performed on June 25 at 7:30 p.m.

LONGWOOD _ The Brandywine Valley Symphony joins in the national celebration of America’s founding 250 years ago with a special concert at Longwood Gardens on June 25.

The world premiere of the arrangement An American Dream, A Symphonic Salute to America250, commissioned by the Brandywine Valley Symphony, will be performed. The composition is believed to be the only patriotic medley covering the full 250 years of our nation’s history, from Yankee Doodle to God Bless the USA, including America the Beautiful, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, The Star-Spangled Banner, and others.

The new composition will be performed alongside timeless favorites by Gershwin, Copland, Bernstein, and other noted composers.

“The evening performances will be bursting with joy, rhythm, and spirit. This is the music that captures the energy and soul of America,” said Dr. Timothy Blair, President of the Brandywine Valley Symphony.

To enjoy the evening, purchase tickets at https://bvsymphony.org/event/made-in-america/. The cost is $65.00 for adults and $20.00 for students and children. The tickets include entrance to Longwood Gardens during the day.

The program Made In America, includes:

John Williams – Liberty Fanfare
Aaron Fullan – An American Dream, A Symphonic Salute to America250
Antonin Dvorak – Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” Mvt 2
Aaron Copland – An Outdoor Overture
Leonard Bernstein – West Side Story – Selections for Orchestra arr. Mason
Florence Price – Andante Moderato
George Gershwin – An American in Paris

“Joining us on June 25 is a great way to enjoy fabulous music, celebrate America’s birthday and support our symphony,” said Blair.

The concert will be preceded by a reading of the full text of the Declaration of Independence, led by 12 community leaders, with an estimated 1,000 persons in the audience participating as part of the Chester County-wide Dare to Declare project.

The Brandywine Valley Symphony is a nonprofit affiliate of America250PA, the statewide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and Pennsylvania’s vital role in our nation’s story.

The Brandywine Valley Symphony was established in 1940 and is the only professional symphony orchestra in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The symphony serves the greater Philadelphia region from southeastern Pennsylvania to northern Delaware. For more information on the Brandywine Valley Symphony, see www.bvsymphony.org.

March 16, 2026

Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday

featured in Celebrating America’s 250^th

presented by a Massachusetts library

Mowday’s schedule includes 24 250^th related events so far this year

EAST GOSHEN _ Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday is scheduled to take part in at least 24 events related to our nation’s 250^th anniversary celebration this year, including one presented in Massachusetts.

“This year we all should be dedicated to learning about our nation’s history,” Mowday said. “This is the time to examine the foundations of our nation and those who established and sacrificed for our great republic.”

Mowday’s books include ones on the American Revolution, the battle of Brandywine, Lafayette, and the Civil War, including Fort Delaware and Gettysburg. He’s working on a book from an unpublished diary on the Bataan Death March of World War II. For all of his books, including true crime, business and sports, see www.mowday.com.

“I’m expecting to be asked to participate in other events,” Mowday said. “I’ve been receiving one or two requests per week. I’m looking forward to participating in other events.” To schedule Mowday for a talk or signing, contact him at mowday@mowday.com.

“I’ve received great interest in the talk I’ve developed for the 250^th celebration, Common Soldiers: Uncommon Heroes. The talk was from a request by the Church of the Saviour in Wayne. Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and Lincoln, among others, will be remembered in many presentations this year. What about the common soldier and the other individuals? They sacrificed so much for our freedom. That’s the general subject matter for my talk.”

The talk will be given for the Ashland Library, Massachusetts, presentation as part of its Celebrating America’s 250^th. The presentation, streamed on the internet, takes place at 7:00 p.m. on June 29. Anselma Mill has scheduled the talk for 4 p.m. on April 25.

Mowday will spend the 4^th of July from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Kathy’s Corner Shop, North East, Md. “Kathy does a wonderful job promoting our national history and that of Maryland. I’m so glad she is giving me an opportunity of signing my books on our national birthday.”

On Sunday, March 22, at 2:00 p.m. Mowday will be speaking on Lafayette at the Uwchlan Township Historical Commission. “Lafayette helped us win our freedom. The subject is perfect for a 250^th celebration.

Upcoming Lafayette talks in April include April 9 at 6:45 p.m. at Grove Church, April 16 at North Penn High School, and April 24 before the Delaware County Bar Association. “I’m especially honored to give a talk on the American Revolution on April 29 in King of Prussia before a senior command leadership conference of the Pennsylvania State Police.”

All of Mowday’s talks with times and locations are listed at www.mowday.com.

“I have a number of other events scheduled throughout the year. Many of them support worthwhile causes, such as the Fashion Show for the Cure, and organizations, the DAR, Masons, libraries, churches, and historical groups.”

He was a guest on the Massachusetts Historical Society’s Revolution 250. He was twice featured in the Authors of the American Revolution Congress hosted by Nathan’s Papers. Bruce is a frequent speaker at various civic and historical groups. The Congress of Civil War Round Tables has named Bruce a “5-Star” speaker. Mowday has hosted his own radio shows, has been editor of magazines and was chairman of the Chester County Historical Society and president of the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates. He is a former board member of the Valley Forge Park Alliance and the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau. For more information on Mowday, his books and his schedule of events, see www.mowday.com.

A recent comment from a reader: “This man reigns from Chester County and always seemed to present a balanced view in his early career covering the Courts. I have watched him blossoming into a highly respected author and has not written a boring one yet. We now have another budding celebrity hailing from the region. If you are a book enthusiast, order his books. They are polished and interesting. I’m not usually a big history reader but I’ve enjoyed his work. They are interesting as well as informative His name is Bruce Mowday. I like Bruce because he is talented and a gentleman. I would not push his product if I did not believe it was good work.”

December 31, 2025

Three documentary projects on tap in 2026

for Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday

250^th celebration events dominate scheduled book presentations

WEST CHESTER _ Author Bruce E. Mowday, who has written extensively on the American Revolution and Civil War, will concentrate on presentations involving the history of the United States in the coming year. Recently, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution bestowed on Mowday the “1776-2025 DAR America 250! Commendation” in connection with his work with the American Friends of Lafayette.

“Celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the founding of our nation is of great importance,” Mowday said. “For all, the coming year should be dedicated to teaching and understanding our rich history.”

Preserving the memory of the heroic deeds of American soldiers during the American Revolution battle of Brandywine and the preservation of actual battlefield land is the subject of two documentaries. Mowday was interviewed by Darley Newman, an Emmy Award-nominated host, for her show Travels With Darley. The interview took place on the field where the Marquis Lafayette was wounded on September 11, 1777. The show is expected to be aired on PBS stations in the next several months.

Mowday was interviewed by film maker Mary Armstrong of Space Cats Films on a number of occasions for her documentary on Lafayette and the need to preserve Brandywine battlefield. Armstrong expects to debut her film in mid-2026. “Mary is such a talented documentary film maker,” Mowday said. “She understands the need to document history and to preserve sacred land. I was so pleased when I discovered she is focusing on an American hero, Lafayette.”

Mowday has authored two books on Lafayette, including Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero and Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest. Mowday also authored the first full-length book on Brandywine, September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia. “When Lafayette was wounded at Brandywine, he demonstrated he was fully committed to helping us win our freedom,” Mowday said. “At the age of 19, Lafayette defied his king and left his family to come to America as a volunteer. Lafayette’s support was a major factor in France supporting us against England.”

Mowday was the chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. The committee sparked the idea for the young Lafayette book, a non-fiction book for students and young adults. The book was championed by a number of the DAR groups and distributed to students in Kentucky and Indiana. Some of the books were given to libraries in Kentucky damage by severe flooding. Mowday’s DAR commendation was for work with the organization on the young Lafayette book.

For 2026 and the 250^th celebration, Mowday is working with Kenneth Serfass, a General Grant expert, on a book on Gettysburg and Vicksburg in the Civil War. Serfass and Mowday are offering a presentation to historical and other organizations. The book is expected to be released this spring.

Mowday is working on two other book projects in 2026. One book is a World War II book on a chaplain who wrote a diary during his captivity during the Bataan Death March. Mowday and artist Karl J. Kuerner on a book dealing with Christmas celebrations in the Brandywine region. Kuerner and Mowday have collaborated on two books, Emotional Gettysburg and Emotional Brandywine.

“I was so busy in 2025,” Mowday commented. “I did almost 100 events, including interviews, speeches and book signings. One of my favorite events was being interviewed by author Mark Bowden on writing and my career. I expect 2026 to be just as busy as 2025. I’ve already had requests for more than a dozen talks.”

Organizations wishing to engage Mowday for events are encouraged to contact him as soon as possible at mowday@mowday.com. For information on Mowday and his books, see www.mowday.com.

Mowday’s 2025 events included Lafayette Bicentennial events in Chadds Ford, West Chester, Lancaster, other Pennsylvania locations, New York state, Kentucky, Indiana and Yorktown, Virginia.

A number of his events promoted Mowday’s latest book, A Killer at the Door. The Schiffer Publishing book detailed the escape of crab-walking murderer Danilo Cavalcante from Chester County prison. Mowday is working with Lionsgate/Blackfin productions in connection with a documentary on Cavalcante.

In 2025, Mowday took part in true crime podcasts, including one produced in England, and several television interviews.

The following was written of Facebook by Stephen Grepps Sr.

Those that know me really well, know my interests include my family (foremost), firefighting to also include pumping/drafting, working with Augusta County Professional Firefighters & Paramedics Local 4664 ,the IAFF and VPFF, history ( Especially WW II) Mack fire apparatus ( or any Fire Apparatus before the 1980’s), ghost hunting and true crime. Especially when the crimes occurred near my hometown of Pottstown Pa and where I currently live in Augusta County Va. About ten years ago while researching about local crimes, I came across this author Bruce Mowday. He was a newspaper reporter covering the Johnston Brother’s crimes in South Eastern Pa during the 1970’s. Though most of the murders occurred by this family of thieves and serial killers in Chester and Delaware counties at least one occurred here in Virginia. Some of the crimes in the book “Jailing the Johnston Brothers Gang” occurred in and around Pottstown and Montgomery county. I reached out to Mr Mowday and spoke with him on the phone. He is a real genuine person. I ordered Jailing the Johnston Brothers and within days it arrived. I couldn’t put the book down. I finished the book within days of receiving it. There was actually a movie made loosely based off the Johnston gang, “At Close Range” with Christopher Walken and Sean and Chris Penn. Fast forward about a month ago I heard of this current book and I just had to have it ( thanks Tammy Grepps for the Christmas gift). This book is about the assassinations of two Kennett Square police officers by the Johnston Brothers gang. Mr Mowday isn’t just about writing books on true crime, he also writes about history. I highly recommend you looking at his Facebook page and getting information on his website. Thanks Mr Mowday for the second autographed copy of your books and I look forward purchasing the third book on the trilogy of the Johnston Brothers. On a side note, I met and talked with one of the brothers when he was jailed at one of the prisons I worked at as well as meeting at least one other person in the book. While working at these prison’s I met and talked to four different serial killers. Thank you for putting up with the long post. If you like reading history or true crime stories Look at Mr Mowday’s website, you won’t be disappointed

December 23, 2025

Amazon ranks Mowday’s books in top 10 percent in December

Amazon ranks nine books by Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday in the top 10 percent of the more than 30 million books listed for sale in December.

“It’s a great please to see the interest in my books,” Mowday said. His books cover history, true crime, business and sports.

A Killer at the Door, the author’s recent book on crab-walking murderer, reached 134,019 and number 379 in Criminology, 497 in Crime and Criminal Biography, and 613 in Murder and Mayhem categories.

Jailing the Johnston Gang was 400,765, Small-Town Cops in the Crosshairs was 183,241, and Stealing Wyeth 969,125, they are true crime books.

Mowday’s Gettysburg books include Gettysburg Mysteries and More at 396,554 and 242 in Civil War History, Gettysburg. Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story was 186,840 and 405 in Civil War History, Gettysburg.

American Revolution books on the list included Emotional Brandywine at 389,149 and Lafayette at Brandywine, 539,299.

Mowday’s sports book on Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn was 1,842 in Kindle books.

December 8, 2025

Rebuilding Kentucky libraries devastated by flooding

receive Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest books

published by Chester and Delaware counties Lafayette group

DAR, Kentucky Colonels and American Friends of Lafayette join in effort

Kentucky libraries devastated by flooding have received copies of Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest book, published by the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee and the American Friends of Lafayette.

An article written for the Gazette on the Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana, committee by Bonny Wise and Sue Rogers stated, “Bruce Mowday’s children’s book became a cornerstone of our educational outreach. We were fortunate to have the dedicated support of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) members on both sides of the Ohio River, who tirelessly distributed copies to area schools, ensuring that even the youngest members of our community learned about Lafayette. Altogether, over 750 copies of Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest were donated to schools in Indiana and Kentucky. The Kentucky Colonels funded our educational panels as well as 37 of Bruce Mowday’s books that were distributed to Eastern Kentucky counties that had lost their libraries to floods.”

Mowday, a Chester County author, was the chair of the local Brandywine Lafayette committee. He worked with committee members, AFL President Alan R. Hoffman and artist Shay Aubrey Allen to produce the book for students and young adults. Recently, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Mowday the “1776-2026 DAR America 250! Commendation for his work on the Lafayette book.

“Education was one of the primary goals of the Lafayette bicentennial,” Mowday said. “I was so glad to see the book so widely distributed.”

The Bicentennial marked Lafayette’s return to the United States in 1824 and 1825 to honor him for his great contributions to America’s freedom during the American Revolution. The American Friends of Lafayette organized more than 300 events during the bicentennial.

The AFL is planning a second series of events to mark Lafayette’s first trip to the United States through his wounding at the battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777.

To see accounts of the Bicentennial, see https://friendsoflafayette.wildapricot.org/Gazettes.

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Bruce Mowday, Author at Bruce E. Mowday

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