IT IS A GREAT PLEASURE TO THANK ALL THE GENEROUS PEOPLE who have helped me write this book, beginning with my agent, Rob McQuilkin of Lippincott Massie McQuilkin. From start to finish, he offered priceless counsel. No one in the business works harder and with more effect than Rob. My wife, Kay, read the entire manuscript, contributing invaluable ideas. So, too, did Vice Admiral George Emery, U.S. Navy (Retired). He analyzed the entire first draft closely and shared his incomparable knowledge. No one knows more about the naval aspects of the War of 1812.
I was blessed with marvelous editors at Basic Books, beginning with Lara Heimert, the publisher. Her careful reading of the original drafts, invaluable insight on how best to organize the material, and wise criticism, were indispensable. Gifted, sharp-eyed writer and editor Norman MacAfee followed her with advice on every detail of the manuscript, generously sharing his great expertise. Assistant editor Katy O’Donnell provided constant help with good cheer and always good advice. I would also like to thank the manager of editorial production at Basic Books, Michelle Welsh-Horst, who saw the book through the various stages of editorial production.
My nephew, Michael Daughan, who has a special interest in, and wide knowledge of the early navy, read the manuscript and offered his trenchant criticism. I am grateful to him. And also to my daughter Mary Daughan Sheft and her husband, Mark, for their continuous support. My brother William (Jerry) Daughan, who worked for the navy for many years, also provided help, as he always has. Support also came from old friends, David Lafayette, an old navy hand and superb writer; John Couture who served with the 82nd airborne during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and his wife, “Toots”; Howard Ladd, whose knowledge of the South Pacific is extensive, and Nikki Whitney, a writer of uncommon ability.