Sons of Liberty; Or, The Cruise for the Powder Ship

Sons of Liberty; or, The Cruise for the Powder Ship *The Camp-Fire Library*, January 1899, by Professor J. H. Ingraham. This historical fiction serial opens during the American Revolution's early stages, specifically the Siege of Boston in spring 1776. Washington commands fifteen thousand troops surrounding the British-held city, where General Howe commands eight thousand men. The narrative opens with a tense confrontation between the refined, tactically cautious General Howe and the slovenly Admiral Shuldam, commander of the British naval squadron. The Americans have secretly fortified the Dorchester Heights overnight, threatening Howe's position. Shuldam urges an aggressive counterattack, invoking the costly British victory at Bunker Hill; Howe argues the enterprise is too risky and the city's position now untenable. He calls a council of war to decide whether to attack or evacuate, anticipating the council will support withdrawal. The Admiral departs in disagreement, declaring he would "sink my ship" rather than retreat.