The Wilde Flower Saga · A Contrary Wind (Historical Adventure Series)

France, Gibraltar a contrary wind raises it higher.”

John Petit-Senn (1792-1870)

Historical Facts: Europe, 1795

French Republicans are locked in a bloody counter-revolution with a persistent, but unorganized Royalist resistance in a time there called the White Terror.

The French Revolutionaries have declared war on England as well, and the powerful British Royal Navy is now blockading Europe.

To replenish their war-torn navy, the British are known to stop merchant vessels of any flag, forcibly conscripting anyone born in Britain, even if they call themselves American now.

Pirates from North Africa and the Middle East are ravaging trade vessels in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

In response to the growing threats to their merchants and even their sovereignty, the USA has formed a small, but impressive, navy. American frigates are said to be so formidable, a standing order has been issued: Do not engage a US frigate alone.