This is a historical novel about British impressment of american sailors and other actions that led to the War of 1812. It details their impact on Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington and the Chesapeake naval and privateer society. The action focuses on battles at sea including the pivotal battle between the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) and HMS Guerriere.
The hero is Nathan Jeffries, son of a naval hero and a Quaker mother who wanted a peaceful life for her golden boy. All that changed after the disastrous Embargo of 1807 and by 1812, Nathan had lost his freedom, his fiancee, his best friend and perhaps soon his life. The world was suddenly at war and Nathan lived in torment and fear.
The Jeffries' sworn enemy, Richard Auster, wanted Nathan to suffer final reprisal at sea, ruled by the British lion. But the enterprising Nathan finds a way to wage a war of his own.
