Book 3: Treegate series
Benjamin Franklin is trying to get the French to enter the War of Independence against Britain and believes American naval actions will encourage them. "Peace of God" Manly Treegate, is in France with the brig-rigged sloop Hornet. In 1777-78 he cruises to attack sink, and capture all British vessels found, except fishing smacks, as part of Franklin's efforts to encourage the French to enter the war on the side of the Colonials.