Bill Hammond

PLOT SUMMARY

(Excerpted from a review)

The first volume in a series of maritime novels set in the early years of the United States, A Matter of Honor is a dramatic account of a young man's coming of age during the American Revolution.

The novel is deeply researched and eloquently told. Sailors and historians will appreciate attention to maritime detail, vivid sailing scenes, and dramatic battles. Filled with fresh insights on how a weak and disunited America was able to prevail against the world's mightiest military, the story is told from several points of view.

Introducing Richard Cutler, a Massachusetts teenager with strong family ties to England, the novel tells his story as he ships out with John Paul Jones to avenge the death of his beloved brother Will, forcibly taken by the Royal Navy and flogged to death for striking a king's officer.

First as a midshipman aboard the Continental sloop-of-war Ranger, then as an acting lieutenant aboard the converted Indiaman Bonhomme Richard, Cutler plays a critical role in such events as the sea battle with HMS Drake off the coast of Ireland, Ben Franklin's negotiations with the French in Paris, the raid of American marines on the English seaport of Whitehaven, the epic battle with HMS Serapis in the North Sea, and the Battle of Yorktown.


CRITICAL PRAISE

"Drawing on five years of historical research and a lifetime of sailing, Hammond vividly recreates an early chapter in American history."
-- Publishers Weekly

"In the genre of nautical fiction, this new book, a novel based on the American Revolution, is more than just top-notch. In scope and brilliant writing, it's a fitting companion to the maritime tales of Patrick O'Brian."
--Easton (MD) Star Democrat

"Hammond...provides readers with everything from romance, passion, war, and strife. A powerful maritime tale, A Matter of Honor is sure to entertain anyone looking for a dramatic look at the American Revolution through the eyes of a young seaman intensely embroiled in the fight for independence."
--The Historical Novels Review

"This is one of the best Revolutionary War novels I have ever read. Deeply researched and exceptionally written...I was hooked from the first pages...[Hammond's] descriptions of life aboard the sailing ships of the era create vivid scenes of life and warfare at sea."
-- Muzzleloader magazine

"A Matter of Honor is an enlightening and entertaining historical novel that breathes life into the momentous events and characters of the Colonial Navy and the American Revolution."
--Paul Tobin, Rear Admiral USN (Ret.)

"An exciting and marvelous story. Bill Hammond brings the history of America's first war at sea, and the sailors who fought for its independence, to life."
-- Commander C.C. Felker, Ph.D., Professor of Naval History, USNA

"Bill Hammond brings the American Revolution to life in this outstanding blend of drama, action and romance infused with details so rich you'll feel the blast of cannon and taste the salt in the air."
-- Commander Suzanne Giesemann, USN (Ret.)

"A magnificent story well told. Every reader will appreciate the background and fresh insight on the events of the American Revolutionary War told from several points of view."
--Good Old Boat magazine

"From the furious battles off the British coasts to the indulgent life of English plantation owners on Barbados to the final battle at Yorktown, Hammond spins a magnificent yarn of honor, sacrifice, courage, and love."
-- Captain Ty Giesemann, US Navy (Ret.)