The first edition of this book is dated 1880. The edition used is dated 1920. The publisher was The National Sunday School Union. The number of pages is 164.

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General information

Another vintage Kingston book, this time with a background of the 1650s, when Cromwell and the Roundheads were in power.

With acknowledgement to Chamber’s Biographical Dictionary we read:

Blake, Robert (1599-1657) English naval commander, the son of a merchant. Educated at Wadham College, Oxford, he continued his father’s business and led the life of a quiet country gentleman until he was 40. Returned for Bridgwater in 1640 to the short Parliament, he cast in his lot with the Parliamentarians. In the Civil War he took part in the defence of Bristol (1643) and Lyme Regis (1644), and his defence of Taunton (1644-45) against overwhelming odds proved a turning point in the war. Appointed Admiral in 1649, he destroyed Prince Rupert’s fleet and captured the Scilly Isles and Jersey. In the first Dutch War (1652-54) he defeated Tromp at the battle of Portland and shattered Dutch supremacy at sea. He destroyed the Barbary Coast pirate fleet off Tunis (1655) and in 1657 destroyed a Spanish treasure fleet at Santa Cruz off Teneriffe. He died as his ship entered Plymouth, and was buried in Westminster Abbey, but his body was removed at the Restoration. He is considered one of the greatest of English admirals, second only to Nelson.

That was the background to this story. The only thing that upset your transcriber is that he is by nature on the side of the Cavaliers and the Monarchy, rather than that of the Roundheads. NH.

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Contents

Chapter I.
My Friends and I.

Chapter II.
A Successful Disguise.

Chapter III.
In the Enemy’s Hands.

Chapter IV.
On Board His Majesty’s Frigate.

Chapter V.
The Engagement.

Chapter VI.
Afloat in the Squadron.

Chapter VII.
Further Successes.

Chapter VIII.
Close Quarters.

Chapter IX.
The Corsair beaten off.

Chapter X.
A Bitter Disappointment.

Chapter XI.
Once more in the Mediterranean.

Chapter XII.
The Captives rescued—Blake’s Exploits and Death.

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