With the Flag in the Channel; or, The Adventures of Captain Gustavus Conyngham

by James Barnes

"With the Flag in the Channel; or, The Adventures of Captain Gustavus Conyngham" by James Barnes is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Captain Gustavus Conyngham, an irish-born American in the midst of the Revolutionary War, who is recruited for a risky mission involving privateering against British shipping. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the American struggle for independence, weaving historical events and characters into Conyngham's adventurous exploits. The opening of the novel introduces the bustling scene in a Philadelphia merchant's office, where we first meet Mr. James Nesbit and his kinsman, David Conyngham, who are plotting to recruit Captain Gustavus Conyngham for a critical mission. As they eat together in a coffeehouse, they discuss the urgency of their plans while being wary of enemy spies. Entering into the fray, we see Gustavus himself, fresh from a voyage, who is soon drawn into this web of intrigue involving covert operations that aim to support the colonies' fight against British rule. The initial chapters set the stage for Conyngham's development as a daring and unyielding leader, hinting at the thrilling adventures to follow as he takes command of a vessel and embarks on a treacherous journey.