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The Eighteenth Century -- John Paul Jones
Patrick lives on the south-west coast of Ireland with his grandfather as his parents are dead. Patrick's grandfather had disapproved of his son's choice of wife and he carries this disapproval to Patrick with whom he is harsh and stern. He often beats Patrick severely.
Patrick and his grandfather live in the shelter of the island of Valencia. In 1779 some ships of the British Navy arrive and shelter behind the island. They are setting a trap for John Paul Jones who is known to be in the area. The small brigantine is positioned so that her masts can be seen but the four frigates are kept out of sight. The plan is that the the brigantine will act as bait for John Paul Jones. When he attacks the brigantine the frigates will then bear down on him.
Now in some confused way Patrick identifies with John Paul Jones. "King George, is he not a tyrant like my grandfather?" he asks himself. On a sudden impulse Patrick takes the ship's boat from his grandfather's cutter and sails off to warn John Paul Jones.
Patrick sails to the island of Skelling Michael and camps there for a few days. He climbs to the top of the island where there are the ruins of an old monastery and from where he has a good view of the surrounding sea. Eventually he sees the ships of John Paul Jones.
Patrick at once sets sail and goes to warn the Americans. Then he sees his grandfather's cutter behind him. The cutter is fast and conditions favour the larger boat.
Does Patrick manage to reach the Bonhomme Richard and warn John Paul Jones or is he caught by his grandfather?
This is an interesting little book (it is only about 10,000 words long) which helps to illuminate John Paul Jones' campaign of 1779. The Irish coast is well described and the island of Valencia and the Skellig rocks can easily be found on any good map. For such a short bok there is a surprising amount of detail about the the ships of the time and sailing.
An unusual read for the 8-12 age range.