The year 1777 is bleak indeed for the cause of American Independence, with the British army twice defeating Washington and taking the capital city of Philadelphia and the Royal Navy sweeping aside the defenses of the Delaware Bay. And for Captain Isaac Biddlecomb and the men of the half-built frigate Falmouth, things are direr still. After managing to slip through a British blockade, they find themselves trapped in a desolate harbor on the New Jersey coast and menaced not by the British but by the outlaw bands that terrorize the countryside and see Falmouth as a potentially valuable prize. Deserter Angus McGinty steals Biddlecomb’s most potent weapon, the captured British sloop Sparrowhawk, leaving him to face the ruthless Pine Robbers on his own, with only his diminished crew and the near-useless local militia to help. Meanwhile, Virginia Biddlecomb, trapped in occupied Philadelphia, sees her chance to play a clandestine role in the fight. In the course of her activities, however, she lets slip information that will put her husband, his ship, and his crew in mortal danger, leading to a desperate race to get the unwieldy Falmouth to a place beyond the reach of the Royal Navy. All the page-turning, heart-thumping excitement that I so enjoyed in the previous books of the series. . . . [Nelson's] rich lifelong knowledge of historic details is why, unlike many nautical histories, his scenes ring so true and are so easy to follow—with just enough blood and death to feel realistic. -- Carol Newman Cronin, award-winning writer/editor and an Olympian "This isn’t your typical book about naval action set during the Revolutionary War. Rather, it’s a compelling story of the work and dangers besetting Capt. Isaac Biddlecomb in his efforts to get his frigate Falmouth ready for sea. . . . All in all, the two subplots enhance this action-packed story." -- C. Henry Depew ― The Ensign (Praise for author's previous books)  James Nelson is a master of his period and the English language. . . . Authenticity runs throughout the book, carrying total conviction. . . . Nelson writes with the eagerness of a young man sailing his first command. -- Patrick O'Brian, author of the Aubrey/Maturin series ?(Praise for author's previous books)  Nelson’s seagoing experience is evident in his clear, convincing description. . . . The characters are strong and realistic, the plot and action believable and brisk . . . a fine adventure series. ― Publishers Weekly ?(Praise for author's previous books)  Nelson now sails honorably with the squadron of naval-fiction scribes currently led by Patrick O’Brian. . . . His pacing is brisk and the salt air blows through every chapter. ― Booklist ?(Praise for author's previous books)  Splice the main brace and drink a toast to James L. Nelson and By Force of Arms . Sailing in the wake of C. S. Forester, Nelson has done an excellent job of combining historical authenticity with firm characterization and lively action. . . . This is a fine yarn, deftly told. -- Nathan Miller, author of Sea of Glory: A Naval History of the American Revolution ?(Praise for author's previous books)  Jim Nelson’s By Force of Arms strikes a blow toward establishing an American counterpart to Patrick O’Brian’s brilliance. With square-rigger experience in his wake and far horizons before Nelson, we can expect him to achieve one victory after another in the spirit of his British namesake. -- David Brink, S.A.I.L., Inc. ?(Praise for author's previous books)  A lively and highly readable account. Exploring the lives of seamen, merchant captains, and Royal naval officers, By Force of Arms offers a realistic and minutely detailed account of shipboard life during the period. -- John G. Kolp, assistant professor, Department of History, U.S. Naval Academy ?(Praise for author's previous books)  Set sail with Jim Nelson into a world where he will lead you with the same command presence that he led his shipmates as Third Officer aboard the very real twentieth-century sail training ship HMS Rose . Plant your feet firmly on Nelson’s decks and you will smile as Patrick O’Brian has at Jim Nelson’s grace, wit, and humor. -- Captain Richard Bailey, Sail Training Ship HMS Rose ?(Praise for author's previous books)  A rollicking good sea story. ― Naval History Magazine ?(Praise for author's previous books)  Rousing plots, historical authenticity, and seafaring as vivid as a slap of salt spray. . . . Delivers plenty of action . . . Nelson’s page-turner brings the Revolution to life on the high seas . . . will please old fans and win new ones. ― Portsmouth, NH, Herald ?(Praise for author's previous books)  Nelson knows sailing, and he knows people. In Biddlecomb he has an all-too-human hero willing to step over any barrier to keep the British at bay and his own career on track. ― Houston Chronicle James L. Nelson is the award-winning author of more than twenty works of maritime fiction and history. His