Bert J. Hubinger

1812: Rights of Passage (War of 1812 Trilogy) Bert J. Hubinger First American edition

This is a historical novel about British impressment of American sailors and other actions that led to the War of 1812, and their impact on Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington and the Chesapeake naval and privateer society, with focus on battles at sea including the pivotal battle between the mismatched frigates, USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") and HMS Guerriere. The hero is Nathan Jeffries. His father had been a naval hero, but his Quaker mother wanted a peaceful life for her golden boy. All that changed after the disastrous Embargo of 1807 and by 1812, Nathan had lost his freedom, his fiancee, his best friend and perhaps soon his life. The world was suddenly at war, and Nathan lived in torment and fear. The Jeffries' sworn enemy in Baltimore, Richard Auster, wanted Nathan to suffer final reprisal at sea, ruled by the British lion. But the enterprising Nathan finds a way to wage a war of his own. "A fascinating story of courage and treachery. Hubinger captures in thrilling detail not only the historical facts of the War of 1812, but also the vivid characters who richly portray the human side of war as well." Caroline Kosisky, Maryland Educator and Master Naturalist "1812: Rights of Passage transported me immediately into a whirlwind of maritime adventure and also illuminated the young nation from which we arose. Hubinger's young protagonists confront their own powerful?and sometimes secret?personal histories, inextricably linked to the idealism and greed, passion and racism of this formative time in our country's history. As the westward expansion extirpates native peoples and the new federal government agonizes over the looming naval confrontation with England, the characters struggle to find themselves?and to survive." Baird Straughan, Ph. D., President, LeadGreen