1777: British hopes of capitalizing on the brilliance of the previous year's successes have stagnated. The Rev'd Mr. Thomas Langdon, Loyalist and Colonial Advisor to Admiral Lord Howe in New York, is given leave to accompany his friend Dr. David Bailey home to England and assist him in dealing with a distressing family matter; Langdon becomes involved more than he anticipated. Separated as they make their way back to New York, Langdon is taken prisoner in a frigate action, and it goes ill for him when the Rebels learn his true identity. Meanwhile, preparations are under way for the capture of the American capital city Philadelphia by amphibious invasion. But the American defenses are ready to give battle, especially to prevent the Royal Navy from making its way up the Delaware River. In the historical fiction tradition of Patrick O'Brian and C. S. Forrester, the Langdon Maritime Chronicles are historically accurate and vibrant accounts of 18th century life aboard British men-of-war.