The Dark Frigate

"The Dark Frigate" by Charles Boardman Hawes is a historical adventure that follows Philip Marsham, a young man destined for the sea, as his life takes an unexpected turn. After recounting his upbringing and his father's death at sea, Philip's life is upended by an accidental gunshot that causes him to quickly escape angry townsfolk. Now a fugitive, Philip abandons his dream of a life at sea, instead fleeing into the English countryside, where he hopes to forge a new destiny for himself far away from the ocean, leading to a story filled with youthful impulsiveness and a struggle against fate. The novel explores themes of adventure and loyalty.