The history of Maine is inextricably tied to its coastline. The Atlantic connected Mainers to the rest of the world. The author relates the adventures of the skippers and their crews and other tales from Maine's shipping lanes.
This book is a history of the naval adventures of Capt. Henry Mowat of the British Royal Navy. His exploits included the dismantling of Fort Pownal and the destruction of Falmouth (Portland). He also participated in the destruction of the ill-fated Penobscot Expedition.
Thousands flock to the beautiful coastline along Penobscot Bay every year, but the dark sea has often turned treacherous. Temperamental skies become stormy without notice; violent gales challenge even the most seasoned captains. Craggy rocks can be virtually invisible to oncoming vessels, like the Alice E. Clark," which simply strayed off course in good weather. Other ships, like the "Governor Bodwell" and "Royal Tar," were destroyed by fire. But not all of the ships were a total loss--some were repaired and resumed life under different names. Local author Harry Gratwick explores some of Penobscot Bay's most historic and dramatic shipwrecks, from what caused the wrecks to what happened during those fateful moments when the ships were going down."