Beadle's Pocket Library, No. 151

The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept by Col. Prentiss Ingraham

This maritime serial, set during the War of 1812 in Long Island Sound, opens with Midshipman Brete Fairfax escorting naval prisoners—including pirate chief Ned Darrell—toward New York. The party is intercepted by Captain Kit commanding the smuggling vessel Will-o'-the-Wisp, revealed as a bold young woman. The narrative previously concerns how escaped convict Carl Manners (the "Boy Runaway") seized the merchant schooner Maid of Perth from under Fairfax's watch, leaving him with pirate prisoners. Madge Ferris, traveling disguised as a boy sailor, seeks protection. Captain Kit releases Darrell and his men upon oath while allowing Fairfax, his crew, and Madge to proceed. Darrell vows vengeance against Madge. The tale involves honor, betrayal, piracy, naval duty, and romantic complications across the wartime seaboard.