The merchant seaman could find his way about a frigate, for in rigging, handling, and navigation the ships were very much alike.

And the American seamen of 1812 were in fighting mood; they had been whetted by provocation to a keen edge for war.

They understood the meaning of "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights," if the landsmen did not.

There were strapping sailors in every deep-water port to follow the fife and drum of the recruiting squad.

The militia might quibble about "rights," but all the sailors asked was the weather gage of a British man-of-war.