Pike & Cutlass: Hero Tales of Our Navy

"Pike & Cutlass: Hero Tales of Our Navy" by George Gibbs is a collection of exciting historical stories from the late 1800s that highlight daring American naval heroes and important battles from the nation's early days at sea. The book focuses on the brave actions of people like John Paul Jones, telling stories of their clever strategies and adventurous spirit during tough times in American naval warfare. The book starts with John Paul Jones commanding the "Ranger" in April 1778, ready to use his ship to fight the British. Jones plans a surprise attack on Whitehaven, sneaking into the town with only a few men. His quick thinking and bold moves lead to a failed attempt to capture the British ship "Drake" and a nail-biting attack on an enemy harbor, showing off his skills as a leader and strategist. Jones's adventures set the stage for more thrilling naval stories, capturing the heart of American naval heroism.