Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 61

This issue of Beadle's Dime Library presents "Captain Sea Waif, The Privateer" by Ned Buntline. The serialized adventure novel, set during the American Revolution, follows Edward Seawaif, a mysterious young sea captain of noble birth raised by a hermit after washing ashore as an infant. Merchant Phineas Cringle, impressed by Seawaif's seamanship and character, commands him of the armed schooner Tyrannicide, equipped with carronades and a pivot gun, flying flags declaring "Death to Tyrants." The ship's purpose is privateering against British transports. Early aboard, Seawaif must break up a quarrel between his surgeon Dr. La Motte (French) and first officer Doolittle over culinary preferences—frogs versus stewed kittens—a dispute nearly ending in fatal duel. After reconciliation, Seawaif prepares the vessel for departure with the morning tide, determined to find action against American's enemies while pursuing clues to his mysterious parentage.