Originally published in 1897, this comprehensive history of the US Navy is a must-read for anyone interested in the military and maritime history of America. Author John R. Spears provides a detailed chronological account of the Navy's growth and development, from its origins in the days of sail to its modern form as a global superpower. Filled with fascinating anecdotes, dramatic battle scenes, and profiles of legendary sailors and officers, this book is a true treasure trove of naval history. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.