Overview

**WINNER OF THE 2007 UNITED STATES MARITIME LITERATURE AWARD**In the 1830s, Mexico endured a tragic era of internal political instability. Meanwhile, bold American frontiersmen sought their fortunes beyond the borders of the United States, with many settling in the Mexican territory of Texas. In 1835, these transplanted Americans led a revolt against Texas's embattled rulers in Mexico City. Lone Star Navy chronicles the little fleet of wooden warships, bought on credit by an impoverished band of revolutionaries and sent to sea on a singular mission: to win Texas's independence from Mexico. Beginning with four small sailing vessels, the upstart flotilla became a vital counterpart to Texan armies fighting for an independent republic. Indeed, Capt. Jeremiah Brown's naval battle off Matamoros in April 1836 helped save the fledgling republic from a premature end. But even as it battled for independence on the Gulf of Mexico, the Texas navy came under attack from unexpected enemies. The same fierce individuality that led Texans to shake off their Mexican rulers also stymied their efforts to govern themselves with any consensus. Lauded by its advocates as strategically vital and ridiculed by its detractors as a farcical waste of money, the navy became a flashpoint in a clash of visions. Denied adequate funding, sailors and officers suffered long periods without pay, and their vessels fell into chronic disrepair, but they still defended their small nation's fortunes.The decrepit remains of the battle-scarred fleet finally fell into American hands when Texas, in need of a strong ally, was annexed by the United States in 1845. The Mexican government prophesied that relinquishing Texas would lead to the loss of its other northern territories. And, indeed, the Mexican War and the U.S. acquisition of New Mexico, Arizona, California, and parts of Utah, Colorado, and Nevada soon followed.

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9781597970532

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Reviews

At last, a narrative on the incredible saga of the Republic of Texas Navy. Overlooked and forgotten for more than 160 years, its commander, Commodore Edwin Ward Moore, has been brought back to life and recognized as the greatest hero and naval tactician since John Paul Jones. Jonathan Jordan is to be complimented for filling a huge gap in American history. --Clive Cussler, author of THE SEA HUNTERS: TRUE ADVENTURES WITH FAMOUS SHIPWRECKS

His lively narrative history is both well-researched and documented....Jordan has a thorough grasp of naval technology and his descriptions of the sea engagements are both lively and easy to follow. He also places the navy within the context of political events and the war on land. All readers will enjoy Jordan's writing style, while scholars will appreciate his exhaustive notes and bibliography....This is certainly the most comprehensive and analytical treatment of the subject to date.

Author Information

Jonathan W. Jordan has written on numerous historical topics for publications including Military History Quarterly. A graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School, he is a practicing attorney. He lives in the Atlanta area.

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