In 1775, the year that the Colonies, in North American, revolted against England, "Am I British or Am I an American", are words that haunted, a young North American farm boy and everyone else, in those Thirteen British Colonies. After considerable soul searching, Joe decides to help his new country, because of his age, the Continental Army would only accept him as a Drummer, Bugler or a General's Personal Butler. Only the newly formed Continental Navy, would accept him as an equal. In the Continental Navy, when the battle starts, it's all hands on deck; even Cabin Boys and Cooks are expected to fight the enemy.

This book is the first of four separate books that follow Joe through the war.