The damsel of Darien :: :: University of Virginia Library

The History of the Navy of the United States from the earliest
period of its existence, in the dawn of the Revolution,
through all its discouragements, reverses, trials and glory, was
a task worthy of the author who had established a reputation as
a describer of nautical events, superior to that of any other living
writer. The task has been so performed as to leave nothing
to desire. No work of higher interest has been published in the
United States for many years. The theme is one which Mr.
Cooper seems to treat con amore and for which his early life
and education fitted him, above all other men. If we are not
mistaken, the publication of this book is calculated to heighten
the already exalted estimate in which the Navy is held, and to
render it still more, if possible, a favourite with the nation.
Whilst Mr. Cooper has, at all times, given full credit to the
officers and crews of the vessels whose victories, during the late
war, shed so much renown upon our arms, he has not been
guilty of the bad taste, which a writer of less discrimination
would scarcely have avoided, of indulging a vainglorious spirit
and a disparaging tone in reference to our great rival upon the
ocean. The glories of American victories are fully portrayed,
whilst, at the same time, care is taken, in every case, to exhibit
a fair and impartial estimate of the strength and appointments of
antagonist's vessels or fleets. In this way the work acquires the
credit due to a grave and impartial history. The book is splendidly
published by Lea and Blanchard.—Baltimore Chronicle.

If there was one man before all others, whom we could have
selected for this task, that man was Mr. Cooper. The history
of the Navy has been written con amore. Mr. Cooper in all
things relative to the Navy writes with enthusiasm. The ocean
is his element. With the glorious career of the service in
which his youth was passed, he takes a laudable pride, and he
betrays in every page the earnest desire of his heart to make its
merits known to the world. In the satisfaction with which he
dwells upon the high-toned discipline of a man-of-war, and the
extraordinary efficiency of many of our frigates during the war,
we discover the esprit de corps of the trained officer; and in

dwelling upon the achievements of our young Navy, the pure
American fire of his genius once more blazes out as brightly as
ever.

But in all his enthusiasm for his own country, he never forgets
the claims of a gallant enemy. His fairness and impartiality
are as conspicuous as his patriotism; and in his generous appreciation
of the prowéss of the English, we find an additional compliment
to our own Navy. Mr. Cooper's talents and acquirements
particularly well qualified him for the work he had undertaken.
He has meted out justice with a cool and impartial hand. Understanding
all the feelings, prejudices, traditions and customs of
the service; being upon terms of intimate acquaintance with
most of the older officers, and having all the records that are to
be found in the libraries of the country, or in the offices of
Government, connected with the subject, at his disposal, he
enjoyed unlimited means of procuring the best and most authentic
data—and, describing every thing with the clear intelligence
of a seaman, in his work we meet with none of those errors of
detail, unseamanlike expressions, and other similar mistakes,
which in naval histories so often shock the professional reader.
In the interest which he has thrown around the cruises and
combats of our ships of war, we trace the master hand which
drew the Pilot; nor will many chapters in this work yield in
point of romantic interest to any of his sea-novels. Many of the
naval actions of the Revolution, and especially the cruisings of
Paul Jones, and the desperate fight between the Bon-Homme
Richard and the Serapis, have all the richness of romance, with
the method and accuracy of strict history.—American Traveller.

We have perused this history with no little curiosity and with
great interest. Considering the brief existence of the American
marine, its annals are more eventful, more romantic, and
more various, than any in existence. Nothing can surpass the
energy which enabled the United States to form an effective navy,
at a time when they could hardly be said to have had a political
existence, and when they were beset by greater difficulties than
any which an infant nation had ever yet to encounter. This consideration
has animated the present historian, whose enthusiasm
seems to be kindled by his office of chronicler, even more than
when he formerly sought inspiration from the same source in constructing
his famous stories of the sea. His national pride has,
however, not tempted him to be, after the manner of his countrymen,
vainglorious as regards his own nation, and abusive towards
others. His work, accordingly, is more fair and candid
than could have been expected on such a theme from an
American pen. Altogether this history is a valuable one, and
cannot fail to pass into universal circulation. The incidents
which took place in the naval war with Tripoli, are grander and
more heroic than any thing in the circle of romance, and are detailed
with all the vigour and animation of Mr. Cooper's genius.
—British Naval and Military Magazine.