Chapter I: Preface

Since the action of this story falls during the periods, and the book deals with personages and incidents, which are usually treated of in the more serious pages of history, it is proper that some brief word of explanation should be written by which I might confirm some of the romantic happenings hereafter related, which to the casual reader may appear to draw too heavily upon his credulity for acceptance.

The action between the Randolph and the Yarmouth really happened, the smaller ship did engage the greater for the indicated purpose, much as I have told it; and if I have ventured to substitute another name for that of the gallant sailor and daring hero, Captain Nicholas Biddle, who commanded the little Randolph, and lost his life, on that occasion, I trust this paragraph may be considered as making ample amends. The remarkable fight between those two ships is worthy of more extended notice than has hitherto been given it, in any but the larger tones (and not even in some of those) of the time. As far as my information permits me to say, there never was a more heroic battle on the seas.

Again, it is evident to students of history that the character of Washington has not been properly understood hitherto, by the very people who revere his name, though the excellent books of Messrs. Ford, Wilson, Lodge, Fiske, and others are doing much to destroy the popular canonization which made of the man a saint; in defence of my characterization of him I am able to say that the incidents and anecdotes and most of the conversations in which he appears are absolutely historical.

If I have dwelt too long and too circumstantially upon the Trenton and Princeton campaigns for a book so light in character as is this one, it may be set down to an ardent admiration for Washington as man and soldier, and a design again to exhibit him as he was at one of the most critical and brilliant points of his career. Furthermore, I find that the school and other histories commonly accessible to ordinary people are not sufficiently awake to the importance and brilliancy of the campaign, and I cherish the hope that this book may serve, in some measure, to establish its value.

I have freely used all the histories and narratives to which I had access, without hesitation; and if I have anticipated a distinguished arrival, or hastened the departure of a ship, or altered the date of a naval battle, or changed its scene, I plead the example of the distinguished masters of fiction, to warrant me.

In closing I cannot refrain from thanking those who have so kindly assisted me with advice and correction during the writing of this story and the reading of the proof, especially the Rev. A. J. P. McClure.

C. T. B.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNA.,
_November_, 1897.

Contents

Book I

THE EVENTS OF A NIGHT

CHAPTER

I KATHARINE YIELDS HER INDEPENDENCE
II THE COUNTRY FIRST OF ALL
III COLONEL WILTON
IV LORD DUNMORE'S MEN PAY AN EVENING CALL
V A TIMELY INTERFERENCE
VI A FAITHFUL SUBJECT OF HIS MAJESTY
VII THE LOYAL TALBOTS
VIII AN UNTOLD STORY
IX BENTLEY'S PRAYER
X A SOLDIER'S EPITAPH

Book II

KNIGHTS ERRANT OF THE SEA

XI CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES
XII AN IMPORTANT COMMISSION
XIII A CLEVER STRATAGEM
XIV A SURPRISE FOR THE JUNO
XV CHASED BY A FRIGATE
XVI 'TWIXT LOVE AND DUTY
XVII AN INCIDENTAL PASSAGE AT ARMS
XVIII DUTY WINS THE GAME

Book III

THE LION AT BAY

XIX THE PORT OF PHILADELPHIA
XX A WINTER CAMP
XXI THE BOATSWAIN TELLS THE STORY
XXII WASHINGTON--A MAN WITH HUMAN PASSIONS
XXIII LIEUTENANT MARTIN'S LESSON
XXIV CROSSING THE DELAWARE
XXV TRENTON--THE LION STRIKES
XXVI MY LORD CORNWALLIS
XXVII THE LION TURNS FOX
XXVIII THE BRITISH PLAY "TAPS"
XXIX THE LAST OF THE TALBOTS

Book IV

A DEATH GRAPPLE ON THE DEEP

XXX A SAILOR'S OPINION OF THE LAND
XXXI SEYMOUR'S DESPERATE RESOLUTION
XXXII THE PRISONERS ON THE YARMOUTH
XXXIII TWO PROPOSALS
XXXIV CAPTAIN VINCENT MYSTIFIED
XXXV BENTLEY SAYS GOOD-BY
XXXVI THE LAST OF THE RANDOLPH
XXXVII FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY
XXXVIII PHILIP DISOBEYS ORDERS
XXXIX THREE PICTURES OF THE SEA.

Book V

THE DEAD ALIVE AGAIN

XL A FINAL APPEAL
XLI INTO THE HAVEN AT LAST