A Voice from the Main Deck: Being a Record of the Thirty Years' Adventures of Samuel Leech

by Samuel Leech Narrated by Nigel Patterson

Overview

I heard the shot strike the sides of our ship; the whole scene grew indescribably confused and horrible; it was like some awfully tremendous thunder-storm, whose deafening roar is attended by incessant streaks of lightning, carrying death in every flash and strewing the ground with the victims of its wrath: only, in our case, the scene was rendered more horrible than that, by the presence of torrents of blood which dyed our decks.

This was Samuel Leech's first experience of naval warfare. He was a powder monkey aboard the HMS Macedonian when it was attacked forced to strike its colors by the USS United States in the war of 1812.

Leech provides a fascinating account of life as a sailor in the War of 1812 and through early nineteenth century.

It is a remarkable account of a man who until the conflict with the USS United States had fought British Navy but after that battle changed allegiance to the United States and continued sailing with her navy for a further four years.

He provides brilliant insight into the contrasts that he saw between the U.S. Navy and the British Navy during this time.

It is a vivid account of life at sea in the early nineteenth century and a perfect addition to any sailor's library.

Editorial Reviews

Booknews

This memoir by a British seaman who fought in the War of 1812 provides valuable insights into the history of that war, illuminates the experience of the forecastle in the age of the fighting sail, and tells the story of an interesting life. Leech began his career at sea at the age of 12, worked as a "powder monkey" at the age of 14 on the during the War of 1812, was taken into Boston as a prisoner of war, and escaped to live in America. He later served as a seaman in the US Navy, and was taken prisoner off the west coast of Africa by a British ship. By the time he was 20, he had deserted several times and found religion in Connecticut. Lacks a subject index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171045999
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	06/19/2018
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos