Before there was a US Navy, there was the Continental Navy. Tim McGrath's "Give Me a Fast Ship" tells the story of the trials and tribulations of the Continental Navy. McGrath details the ship building, ship outfitting, how crews were recruited, as well as the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering that took place to get the fledgling navy on its feet.
McGrath brings to life captains (yes, there are several worthy of note outside of John Paul Jones) like John Barry, regarded as the "father of the American Navy", Esek Hopkins "The first Commander in Chief" of the American Navy, Gustavuis Conyngham "The Dunkirk Pirate", Lambert Wickes, Joshua Nicholson, Abraham Whipple, Nicholas Biddle, William Rogers and James Nicholson. McGrath fleshes out each individual and details their fates.
The descriptions of battles are vivid and comprehensive. There were some serious sea battles outside of JPJ versus the Serapis and I learned that American ships would often raid the British coast, which of course, created public outrage in the UK.
The political and diplomatic backstories are also covered, like how POWs were treated by both sides, what American politicians pushed for a navy and why, and what the long-range impact was of forming a navy.
I recommend this book for anyone interested in the Revolutionary war, or how the USN became the USN. Well worth your time to read.
Great write-up — really enjoyed the review.
I always remember from when I was a kid that John Paul Jones was credited with the line “I have not yet begun to fight!” — sounds like that legendary moment during the Bonhomme Richard vs. Serapis battle is still one of the best-known stories from those early naval days.
If you liked Give Me a Fast Ship, you might also enjoy Ian W. Toll’s Six Frigates. It follows the early U.S. Navy after the Revolution and gives a great look at the ships, personalities, and politics that shaped the service.
Thanks for the recommendation — adding this one to the list. 👍
"Si vis pacem, para bellum." — Vegetius
"Do not hurry to the sound of the guns without knowing why they are firing." — British maxim
"In war, the simplest things are difficult." — Clausewitz
"No plan survives first contact with the enemy." — Moltke
"The side that can most quickly exploit success is the side that will win." — Guderian
Some days you’re the hammer, some days you’re the nail. 🪖🎲
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