In 1775 General George Washington secretly armed a handful of small ships and sent them to sea against the world's mightiest navy. From the author of the critically acclaimed Benedict Arnold's Navy; here is the story of how America's first commander-in-chief--whose previous military experience had been entirely on land--nursed the fledgling American Revolution through a season of stalemate by sending troops to sea. Mining previously overlooked sources; James L. Nelson's swiftly moving narrative shows that George Washington deliberately withheld knowledge of his tiny navy from the Continental Congress for more than two critical months; and that he did so precisely because he knew Congress would not approve. Mr. Nelson has taken an episode that occupies no more than a few paragraphs in other histories of the Revolution and; with convincing research and vivid narrative style; turned it into an important; marvelously readable book."--Thomas Fleming; author of The Perils of Peace: America's Struggle to Survive after Yorktown "A gripping and fascinating book about the daring and heroic mariners who helped George Washington change the course of history and create a nation. Nelson wonderfully brings to life a largely forgotten but critically important piece of America's past."--Eric Jay Dolin; author of Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America "The political machinations are as exciting as the blood-stirring ship actions in this meticulously researched story of the shadowy beginnings of American might on the seas."--John Druett; author of Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World
#136594 in Books Gian Quasar 2005-02-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .80 x 6.10l; .96 #File Name: 0071452176320 pagesInto the Bermuda Triangle Pursuing the Truth Behind the World s Greatest Mystery
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Keeps you wanting to turn the next page.By Susan M. DanneckerThis book was written well; had a lot of research put into it and made for a great read. Makes one lie in bed at night and wonder.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Captivating and IntelligentBy John wardThe amount of rich information and intriguing topics kept me involved throughout the whole book. I greatly enjoyed this book and appreciate the time spent on creating it. Thank you.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good readingBy Chris MulderVery Factual!
