CHAPTER I

. ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN NAVY 1

The Curious Chain of Events that Led to the Creation of a National Sea Power--The _Gaspé_ Captured by Men Armed with Paving-stones--Tea Destroyed in Boston--The Battle of Lexington and the Attack of the Machias Haymakers on the _Margaretta_--British Vengeance on Defenceless Portland and its Effect on the Continental Congress--The “Colonial Navy” Distinguished from the Temporary Cruisers--The First Officers and the First Ships of the American Navy--John Paul Jones and the First Naval Ensign--The Significant “Don’t Tread on me”--Putting the First American Naval Ships in Commission.

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