Patrick Harrell's life was at a dead end as he helped deliver ale to the local taverns in Gloucester, Massachusetts, in the year 1778. The orphaned fourteen year-old boy was mistreated by Eli Smith, the wagon driver, who claimed to be protecting the youngster, but in reality mocked him and used him as an unpaid servant. Patrick is spotted by Captain Robert Morton, the captain of the American privateer ship "Freeport," The captain invites Patrick to join the crew of the "Freeport" as an apprentice seaman and helmsman. Patrick sees the invitation as a way out of his unhappy life. During the next five months at sea Patrick must grow into an able seaman aboard the "Freeport" or end up back in Gloucester with no job or home. It is during the chase and attempted capture of several British merchant ships that Patrick discovers whether he has grown into an important member of the Freeport's crew.