Before the ink was dry on the U.
S.
Toll tells this grand tale with the political insight of Founding Brothers and the narrative flair of Patrick O\'Brian..
From the decision to build six heavy frigates, through the cliff-hanger campaign against Tripoli, to the war that shook the world in 1812, Ian W.
Would a standing army be the thin end of dictatorship? Would a Navy protect from pirates or drain the treasury and provoke hostility? Britain alone had hundreds of powerful warships.
The founders--particularly Jefferson, Madison, and Adams--debated fiercely.
Constitution, the establishment of a permanent military became the most divisive issue facing the new government.
Before the ink was dry on the U.
S