An American Hero In The Age Of Sail: The Incredible Journey of Captain John Smith

When one thinks of heroes in the Age of Sail, names like Admiral Horatio Nelson or Captain James Cook may come to mind. However, a lesser-known American hero emerged during this exhilarating era of maritime exploration and warfare — Captain John Smith.

Early Life and Naval Beginnings

Born on January 9, 1774, in Boston, Massachusetts, John Smith had a deep fascination with the sea from a young age. Growing up near the bustling port, he witnessed the arrival and departure of majestic ships, igniting a flame within him to set sail someday.

John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail

by Tim McGrath(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8277 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	658 pages
Item Weight	:	14.6 ounces

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At the age of 16, Smith's dream became a reality when he joined the United States Navy. His determination, bravery, and natural leadership skills quickly caught the attention of his superiors. Smith's remarkable abilities allowed him to swiftly climb the ranks.

A Naval Legend is Born

As the United States expanded its reach across the oceans, Captain John Smith became an integral part of the nation's naval endeavors. His courageous exploits during the War of 1812 against the formidable British Royal Navy earned him the admiration and respect of sailors worldwide.

One of his most daring feats was the capture of HMS Guerriere, a British man-of-war, during the historic Battle of Lake Erie. Smith's strategic brilliance and unparalleled naval skills led to the enemy ship's surrender, marking a pivotal moment in the war and solidifying his place in history.

Exploration and Diplomacy

Following his heroic naval accomplishments, Captain Smith embarked on a voyage of exploration and diplomacy. With the support of the US government, he set sail to discover uncharted territories, map coastlines, and establish diplomatic relations with various nations.

Smith's exploration of the Pacific Northwest played a crucial role in expanding America's presence in the region. His insights, detailed maps, and diplomatic efforts laid the foundation for future expeditions and trade routes, forever shaping the destiny of the young nation.

The Legacy of Captain John Smith

Throughout his illustrious career, Captain John Smith exemplified the qualities of an American hero — courage, resilience, and a deep sense of patriotism. His contributions to naval warfare, exploration, and diplomacy continue to inspire generations of sailors and adventurers.

Today, monuments and memorials dedicated to Captain Smith stand tall, honoring his remarkable achievements and everlasting impact on American history. From Boston to the Pacific Northwest, his legacy lives on, reminding us of the indomitable spirit that defined the heroes of the Age of Sail.

John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail

by Tim McGrath(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8277 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	658 pages
Item Weight	:	14.6 ounces

FREE

The Life of the First Captain of the United States Navy

Finalist for the Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Excellence in Naval Literature

“Ashore as well as at sea, Tim McGrath paints an informative, engaging and highly entertaining portrait of this worthy but neglected hero of American independence. The author shows us a man who was a magnificent embodiment of common sense—and uncommon courage and dedication. That such a work is long overdue makes its achievement all the more pleasurable.”—Wall Street Journal 

“Combining sophisticated use of sources with a pleasing writing style, McGrath masterfully rescues a father of the U.S. Navy from unmerited eclipse.”—Publishers Weekly

“A nearly indispensable addition to U.S. Navy collections.”—Booklist

“McGrath employs exemplary narrative style in this work. . . . In John Barry, the author adroitly juxtaposes maritime history, narratives of naval combat, and early U.S. social history.”—New England Quarterly

“McGrath is a compelling and lucid writer. He brings Barry to life, makes battles understandable, and provides the clearest description of Barry's 1778 capture of the British transport ships Mermaid and Kitty that this reviewer has seen.”—Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography

“A great read and an absorbing account of a drama-filled life.”—Naval History

“Well researched, well written, and a pleasure to read, this book restores John Barry to the important place he once held as one of our nation’s great heroes. It is a tale of high adventure and personal courage and you will not want to put it down.” —JAMES L. NELSON, author of George Washington’s Secret Navy

“Readers of this vivid biography will imagine they smell the ocean’s salt air and the sulfurous fumes of gunpowder as they navigate these action-packed pages. Fans of Horatio Hornblower and Lucky Jack Aubrey will rejoice in discovering their real-life American counterpart.”—GREGORY J. URWIN, author of Facing Fearful Odds: The Siege of Wake Island

The man regarded as “the Father of the American Navy” returns to the quarterdeck in John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail, the first comprehensive biography of this legendary officer in generations. Son of a hardscrabble Irish farmer from County Wexford, Barry was sent to sea as a child, arriving in Philadelphia during the restless decade before the American Revolution. Brave and ambitious, he ascended the ratlines to become a successful merchant captain at a young age, commanding the most prestigious ship in the colonies and recording the fastest known day of sail in the century.

Volunteering to fight for the Continental cause, Barry saw his star rise during the War for Independence. As captain of the Lexington, Raleigh, and Alliance, Barry faced down broadsides, mutinies, and even a fleet of icebergs. He captured the first enemy warship taken by a Continental vessel and fought the last battle of the American Revolution. His hard-won victory over two British warships simultaneously garnered him international notoriety, while his skill as a seafarer and cool temper established Barry as a worthy foe among British captains. Without a ship during the winter of 1776-77, the ever resourceful Barry lead a battery of naval artillery at the battle of Princeton. With peace came a historic voyage to China, where Barry helped open trade with that reclusive empire. In 1794, President Washington named Barry as the first commissioned officer in the new United States Navy. Given the title of commodore, Barry ended his career during America’s naval war with France, teaching the ropes to a new generation of officers, most notably Stephen Decatur.

Drawn from primary source documents from around the world,...