This voyage is reflexive of the lessons we have been learning in AP European History. It cleverly emphasizes the key elements that pushed the colonies to rebel against Great Britain. James Michener has written a masterpiece on the struggles of the most volatile, and most unstable era of American History. It provides us with a fictional representation of the true trials and tribulations faced by Patriots and the Loyalists.

Simon Steed is considered to be one of the Loyalists, true to Britain, but as I read deeper into the voyage. I discovered that the pursuit of profit can stray a persons' allegiance to their homeland. Even in a time when American colonist are being forced to choose sides, Steed was profiting from his pirating enterprise. These signs enable the reader to catch a glimpse of the human mind. Money holds far more leverage upon a persons ability to act, then patriotism or honor. I envy his ability to make the best out of the worst situation, but I disagree with his capacity to take advantage of the impending disaster of his homeland.

The Patriots of this voyage would be the unlikely Teach Turlock. Unlikely because, in my opinion, he never seemed like the kind of person to have any loyalties to government.

Because under the new government, that is to form after the revolution, much of the Turlocks ancestral land will be stripped away for government hand holdings. But nevertheless, this character begins a new tradition of infamous sea faring pirates. His daring adventures on the open seas, against British warships and merchants, embodies the spirit of the revolution. I thoroughly enjoyed this portion of the voyage for its exhilarating endeavors into criminal yet loyalistic intentions.

I believe that we need to address the clergyman Jonathon Wilcock for his blackmailing and greedy ways. I think that people like him were one of the main reasons for the revolution. Religion is supposed to be a place for sanctuary away from the perils of the world. It was not meant as place of corruption, a place where an individual is allowed to squander away the resources of the holy church in pursuit of personal gain. But albeit, he was the catalyst that combine the personalities of Steed, Paxmore, and Turlock. So without him, this voyage would have no reason to exist.