On July 3, 1775, the Continental Congress gave General George Washington command of the Continental Army with broad powers to take action as he saw fit. But Congress said nothing about operations at sea. Convinced that his army could be aided by privateers, men who could supply them from the sea, without asking permission, General Washington began arming schooners. His small fleet preyed on British supply ships heading to Boston to apply pressure on the British and gain much needed supplies for the Continental Army.
Washington called these vessels privateers; but since they were not yet commissioned by Congress, they were essentially pirates under international law. Americans embraced the idea and called this little fleet of pirates “Washington’s Navy”. By the end of 1775, seven ships comprised this small fleet. It wasn’t until March 1776 that the Continental Congress legalized privateers and began issuing commissions. Their effect on British shipping was devastating. From this small fleet would grow the idea of a Continental Navy, and Samuel Tucker would be one of the captains.
These are the true stories of three brave Patriot captains who sailed through dangerous waters to aid General Washington's Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and the women they loved.
See the series on my website, and on Amazon.
No comments:
Post a Comment