Samuel Smedley, Connecticut Privateer

by Jackson Kuhl

At age 23, Samuel Smedley became captain of the Connecticut state ship Defence during the American Revolution. He captured more than a dozen prizes, survived smallpox and shipwreck, saw his home burned to the ground by the British, and was twice caught and imprisoned by the enemy. And while he commanded two crews of "gentleman volunteers" -- privateers -- Smedley learned his profession onboard the ship Defence . But was there really a difference between the state navy and the privateers who fought for profit? With Smedley at the helm, what began "for the Defence of the sea-coasts" of Connecticut soon transformed into something else.

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2011

About the author

JACKSON KUHL is the author of the Gothic mysteries The Island of Small Misfortunes and A Season of Whispers , as well as the Revolutionary War biography Samuel Smedley, Connecticut Privateer. He has worked as a journalist, ghostwriter, and freelance writer and editor. His short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies. Kuhl lives in coastal Connecticut.

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kuhl's well-researched, accessible, vivid story of maritime Connecticut's role in the Revolution through the experiences of one Samuel Smedley, privateer, makes the economic, political, and social considerations that shaped decision-making during Connecticut's struggle for freedom understandable. I am glad to know this story now, and I am grateful to Kuhl for his scholarship and his prose.

[Julie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in Fairfield and I never knew we were attacked by the British during the Revolutionary War. Very well researched. I appreciate being educated about why one of our high school halls was named after him.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read. Very well written!

[Steve Rodman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Barely readable.

[John Smedley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 1st cousin 8X removed. My 7th great grandfather was his fathers brother.

[Eric Guignard · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEWED: Samuel Smedley, Connecticut Privateer
WRITTEN BY: Jackson Kuhl
PUBLISHED: June, 2011

This book is the carefully-researched account of true-life American Revolutionary war hero, Samuel Smedley, who captained the waters off the Atlantic coast terrorizing British merchants and war vessels alike. Author, Jackson Kuhl, is commended for presenting factual data for this chapter of history in a prose that is easy to read and relate. Smedley faced more than his share of devastating trials, yet persevered from each and continued service for the political cause that he so fervently believed in. Filled with adventure, compassion, and intrigue, this book reads almost as an epic action-romance, rather than the real life struggles of a single man. At just a bit over 100 pages, it's enough to satisfy the interest of any history buff without suffocating the reader in exhausting detail. Highly recommended for content and style.

Five out of Five stars

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting content but a very facts-heavy slow read.

[Evelyn Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well researched. Love the local history.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by my brother-in-law, Jackson. Definitely check it out!