The First Enterprize
A Legendary Little Ship with a Storied Name
By Deborah A. Spencer
The First Enterprize
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The First Enterprize: A Legendary Little Ship with a Storied Name traces the full story of this historic ship from its conception and construction in 1799 to its ultimate demise in 1823, when she stranded and broke up on Little Curacao Island in the West Indies.
Spencer’s narrative follows the ship’s beginnings as tensions grow with France during the Quasi-War with France through a time period where the Barbary State of Tripoli declares war on the United States to the War of 1812. The story culminates with tales of piracy in the Caribbean when bandits preyed on merchant ships and the Enterprize was charged with conducting anti-piracy operations. The word “enterprise,” or “enterprize as it was generally spelled long ago, has been defined as embarking on new ventures with boldness and energy.
“History enthusiasts and those with a naval or military background are sure to be immersed in the untold story of this famous ship – a history that includes wars and conflicts in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean and colorful commanders,” said Spencer, a life-long history enthusiast. “I’ve combined a compelling narrative with ship images, battle scenes, portraits of captains and their commodores, along with maps to draw readers into the story.”
Michael Wilcox –
A well conceived and revealed naval story of an early chapter of American history in its infancy. Spencer captures all of the adventure, uncertainty and challenges that surely were prominent as brave sailors navigated rudimentary ship designs in unprotected waters while combating pirates and European countries seeking to exploit early America. A good read of a rare slice of the beginnings of America and American naval history.
Michael Jett –
The First Enterprize is an engaging read. It’s a fascinating glimpse into early American history through the lens of a small naval ship. As we follow the Enterprize through her journeys we are introduced to a wealth of historical and biographical information. Each chapter provides an in-depth portrayal of her voyages, the captains and crews of the Enterprize, their commanders, the Secretaries of the Navy and even Presidents. The battle scenes are riveting, reading like those in a novel. I found myself engrossed in each chapter and drawn to the next.
Josh Gagliardi –
A riveting look at the scrappy origins of the United States Navy in the Age of Sail, courtesy of the first of a legendary line of warships.
Enrique Acosta Gonzalez –
Deborah takes readers on an insightful and riveting account of a marvelous ship. I was gripped from the first page. A must for the Navy Reading List. Thank you Deborah!