America in 1775 was on the verge of revolution-- or, more likely, disastrous defeat. After the bloodshed at Lexington and Concord, England's King George sent hundreds of ships westward to bottle up American harbors and prey on American shipping. Colonists had no force to defend their coastline and waterways until John Adams of Massachusetts proposed a bold solution: The Continental Congress should raise a navy.

"Rebellious fanaticks" -- "If the rebels should pay us a visit-- " -- "I fear nothing" -- "That rebel is my brother" -- "Heaven has succeeded our adventures" -- "The gang of pyrates" -- "Under the vault of heaven" -- "Her teeth were too many" -- "In harm's way" -- "Diamond cut diamond" -- "Fresh gales and dirty weather" -- "Send that ship to sea" -- Shubael Gardner.