The Flying Fish; or, Running the Blockade of Boston Harbor

The Flying Fish: Running the Blockade of Boston Harbor This serialized revolutionary-era adventure by Prof. J. H. Ingraham depicts the escape of a small New England fishing vessel from occupied Boston in 1775. General Gage and his aide survey the harbor from Copp's Hill at sunset, discussing rebel forces and awaiting supplies. A young British sentry stationed atop the hill becomes distracted by moonlight and homesickness. Taking advantage of his inattention, a fisherman named Corly secretly hoists the sails of the "Flying Fish"—a small chebacca-boat moored in the cove below—and sets her free. When the sentry notices the vessel's escape and attempts to raise an alarm, Corly overpowers him, binds him to a cannon to protect him from blame, and reveals that "the brave boy and the old man" have deliberately taken the craft. The narrative establishes a conflict between British authority and colonial resistance.