To sum it all up, I am bound to say I have tried to tell the story accurately, interestingly, and usefully. If there are errors, they are unpardonable blunders; if the story lacks interest or usefulness, the fault is entirely with the writer. Any story of the navy--even this one--should rouse the enthusiasm of the patriot because of the stirring character of the deeds that must be described; and I believe that when the reader has considered it well, he will conclude, as I do, that because of the growth of civilization and the spread of the pure doctrines of Christianity throughout the world, and the progress in the arts of making guns and armor-plate in the United States, we shall continue to pursue, for many years, our daily vocations in peace. J. R. S. CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER I. ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN NAVY 1 The Curious Chain of Events that Led to the Creation of a National Sea Power--The _Gaspé_ Captured by Men Armed with Paving-stones--Tea Destroyed in Boston--The Battle of Lexington and the Attack of the Machias Haymakers on the _Margaretta_--British Vengeance on Defenceless Portland and its Effect on the Continental Congress--The “Colonial Navy” Distinguished from the Temporary Cruisers--The First Officers and the First Ships of the American Navy--John Paul Jones and the First Naval Ensign--The Significant “Don’t Tread on me”--Putting the First American Naval Ships in Commission. CHAPTER II. FIRST CRUISE OF THE YANKEE SQUADRON 48 A Fairly Successful Raid on New Providence, but they Let a British Sloop-of-war Escape--Character of the First Naval Commander-in-chief and of the Material with which he had to Work--Esek Hopkins, and his Record as Commander of the Fleet--Crews Untrained and Devoid of _Esprit de Corps_--Good Courage, but a Woeful Lack of other Needed Qualities--Hopkins Dismissed for Disobedience of Orders. CHAPTER III. ALONG SHORE IN 1776 63 Brilliant Deeds by the First Heroes of the American Navy--Why Nicholas Biddle Entered Port with but Five of the Original Crew of the _Andrea Doria_--Richard Dale on the sleek _Lexington_--The _Racehorse_ Captured in an even Fight--Captain Lambert Wickes in the _Reprisal_ Beats off a Large Vessel--John Paul Jones in his Earlier Commands--A Smart Race with the Frigate _Solebay_--Sixteen Prizes in Forty-seven Days in Cape Breton Region--Poking Fun at the Frigate _Milford_--The Valuable _Mellish_--An Able Fighter who Lacked Political Influence. CHAPTER IV. HE SAW “THE COUNTENANCE OF THE ENEMY” 84