Against All Odds: United States Sailors in the War of 1812

In this beautifully illustrated history, U.S. Naval Historical Center staff historians examine how three naval warriors demonstrated honor, courage, and commitment when confronting superior British forces during America's "second war of independence." David Porter in the frigate Essex orchestrated a devastating attack on the British whaling fleet in the Pacific; Joshua Barney's naval flotilla in the Chesapeake helped delay the British attack on Washington in 1814; and Thomas Macdonough's superior tactical leadership at the Battle of Plattsburgh led to the defeat of his Royal Navy opponents and prompted the British government to negotiate a peace agreement.