Going to Sea a Hundred Years Ago (Unabridged)

The hero of Cooper's stirring sea-tale is a mysterious Pilot known as Mr. Gray, who, during the American Revolution, came aboard the Yankee frigate Alliance one stormy night to guide her in a privateering expedition along the east coast of England. Captain Munson had been
intrusted by Congress with the dangerous errand of venturing into the enemy's own waters in order to capture prize ships and prisoners of war, who were to be held for exchange. Inspired by the Pilot's presence, the daring Yankee bluejackets captured the British cutter
Alacrity, in a sharp contest near the shore.