Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The crew of the 220-ton brig Commerce set sail in 1815. They were headed first to New Orleans, and if the peace held, they would cross the Atlantic to Gibraltar and partway down the west coast of Africa to the Cape Verde Islands for salt to bring back to Connecticut. #2 The Connecticut River, which flows through the center of the state, had been blocked by the British for almost two decades. But in 1814, after the British had burned down many American buildings in Washington, D. C. , the American people called for war. #3 In January 1815, news of the Treaty of Ghent had arrived, putting an end to the conflict. However, it had also put an end to the run of bitter luck for Captain Riley. #4 Captain Riley took on three Sages as crew members: Justus, Josiah, and Aaron. He had faith in Justus’s nephew, James Riley, and he liked his intelligence, industry, and no-nonsense attitude.