Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 284

# Catalog Note

The Three Frigates; or, Old Ironsides' Revenge is a naval adventure serial by Captain Frederick Whittaker, presented as a sequel to "The Saucy Jane, Privateer." Set in August 1812 during the War of 1812, it opens with the British frigate Guerriere commanded by the Honorable Captain Charles Augustus Dacres encountering an American schooner crossing her course in the Atlantic. The narrative establishes the ship's crew through detailed characterization: First Lieutenant Sharpe, Master Morris, and the young midshipman "Little Needles" Rous. When a schooner is sighted, Captain Dacres orders pursuit, suspecting it may be the same vessel that previously engaged the Belvidera. Dacres instructs his first lieutenant to prepare the guns for engagement, intending to capture the American vessel. The serial emphasizes period naval protocol, ship handling, and inter-officer dynamics during an era when captains wielded despotic authority.