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A doctor and carpenter both marry but secretly would have preferred the other's wife. The disgruntled husbands join the U.S. Navy and continue their rivalry. the novel covers the period 1798-1815, centered on the frigate Essex, which they helped build. During the course of the story both serve on the Essex during its first voyage, the Philadelphia during the Barbary Wars and the Essex again in the War of 1812. The doctor also sees action on the President in its fight with the Little Belt.