In early 1813 Jones did receive funding to build six large sloops, but it took approximately a year for the first three-the Wasp, Peacock, and Frolic-to become operational. Though Congress had voted for the construction of several ships-of-the-line and large frigates during the last days of Hamilton’s tenure as secretary, none saw combat in the war. Moreover, replacing losses proved difficult because the Americans had no warships under construction at the start of hostilities. Yet Jones did not have much to work with and could not sustain the 1812 tempo of operations, because warships needed time for repairs after grueling cruises. Our great inferiority in naval strength, does not permit us to meet them on this ground, without hazarding the precious germ of our national glory, we have however, the means of creating a powerful diversion.” Jones planned for long cruises by single warships to “draw the attention of the enemy, from the annoyance of our coast for the protection of his own rich & exposed commercial fleets. Here are cool quotes from the book about the preparations for the War of 1812: Example the “USS Chesapeake” became “HMS Chesapeake.” And France's Guerriere changed to HMS Guerriere. Interesting factoid: During this war, if one side captures an enemy’s vessel, one just changes the prefix (USS or HMS) and keeps the name.

The book ends on the final naval battle of the war, one in which the US lost. James version retold the battles through the eyes of Britain’s superior naval power, where every win is due to talent and discipline, and every loss is due to the tricks played by the rebellious colonies.

I enjoyed hearing Roosevelt’s version of the Naval War of 1812 because of his efforts to “set the record straight.” Apparently the Wm.

Navy war of 1812 books college press