American Revolutionary War
"The Eighteenth Captain"
by Nicolas Nicastro
This is an unusual tale of the early exploits of John Paul Jones aboard the Continental Navy ship Ranger. The tale is told in later years by one John Severence, lieutenant of marines aboard the Ranger, to a couple of high class prostitutes. During the Ranger's deployment, Jones has to deal with a mutinous crew, including most of the officers. He has bold plans for glory which are not shared by the crew; they being more interested in prize money. The few engagements undertaken are only taken by general consensus of the crew, and under duress. In spite of his handicaps, Jones does manage some small measure of success.
In France, Jones is a fish out of water when trying to deal in politics and love, and is constantly disappointed in both. All he really wanted was a good ship and crew to fight with, which escaped him in the early years of the American Revolutionary War. Through all of Jones's trials and tribulations, his only real friend Severence stands by his side. But after almost two years of abuse, Severence finally casts Jones to his fate and returns to America. The rest is history.
Refer to Morrison's
"John Paul Jones: A Sailor's Biography" for the true
story of one of America's greatest heroes.
Reviewed by Ken Smith on 15 July 1999
Available from:
McBooks Press
Classics of Nautical Fiction
120 W. State St.
Ithaca NY 14850
www.mcbooks.com
