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Bliven Putnam Naval Adventure #4
Captain Putnam for the Republic of Texas
Captain Bliven Putnam returns in an exhilarating new adventure, embedding himself within a top-secret mission during the Texas Revolution that puts everything at risk.
Having spent the past few years on missions in the Caribbean, Captain Bliven Putnam is all but ready to retire and settle down at home in Connecticut with his wife, Clarity. But as the Texas Revolution ignites and tensions in the Gulf of Mexico rise, Putnam is sent orders for a secret cruise that could decide the fate of their rebellion. American settlers in Texas have revolted against an increasingly tyrannical Mexican government. While the Texians have a small army under the command of Sam Houston, their navy is practically nonexistent, an insurmountable and dangerous disadvantage as the Mexican invasion is supplied by sea.
Unable to risk American neutrality, United States President Andrew Jackson hand-selects Putnam to lead a secret mission that might turn the tide: In Putnam's aging sloop-of-war Rappahannock, disguised with the Republic of Texas flag, he must venture into the waters of the Gulf and intercept the Mexican armaments, not just fighting the Mexican Navy but incurring the wrath of the American shippers and insurance companies who favor Mexico. Reunited with his old friend Sam Bandy, Putnam teams up with Sam Houston to run the operation, all while the bloodiest battles of the Revolution rage.
Having spent the past few years on missions in the Caribbean, Captain Bliven Putnam is all but ready to retire and settle down at home in Connecticut with his wife, Clarity. But as the Texas Revolution ignites and tensions in the Gulf of Mexico rise, Putnam is sent orders for a secret cruise that could decide the fate of their rebellion. American settlers in Texas have revolted against an increasingly tyrannical Mexican government. While the Texians have a small army under the command of Sam Houston, their navy is practically nonexistent, an insurmountable and dangerous disadvantage as the Mexican invasion is supplied by sea.
Unable to risk American neutrality, United States President Andrew Jackson hand-selects Putnam to lead a secret mission that might turn the tide: In Putnam's aging sloop-of-war Rappahannock, disguised with the Republic of Texas flag, he must venture into the waters of the Gulf and intercept the Mexican armaments, not just fighting the Mexican Navy but incurring the wrath of the American shippers and insurance companies who favor Mexico. Reunited with his old friend Sam Bandy, Putnam teams up with Sam Houston to run the operation, all while the bloodiest battles of the Revolution rage.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published March 2, 2021
24 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 29, 2021
I have this habit of stumbling into series far afield from their first installment - now I have to backtrack to book one and discover all details of the fascinating Bliven Putnam, naval captain. One or twice I felt overwhelmed by the amount of naval speak, particularly in the battles, but the history is riveting, and the narration sure.
June 14, 2021
A wonderful naval story with a fabulous description of The Battle of San Jacinto and the surrender of General Santa Ana to win the independence of the Republic of Texas.
July 6, 2022
Not nearly as good a naval adventure as Hornblower.
July 18, 2024
-In this final book of the Bliven Putnam series, the author again goes through the history books to get the proper background for the last adventure of Captain Putnam.
-It’s now the year 1834, and the United States is wracked with the issue of slavery. The south is pushing for its continuation while many in the north are pushing for its repeal. We’re exposed to both sides of the debate when the residents of Texas are considering seceding from Mexico, as Texas is known to allow for slavery. The inclusion of Texas as a state would add to the number of pro slavery states, which those in the north do not want.
-Putnam is called to active duty and is sent first to the Caribbean to speak to the heads of those islands under the control of the British. The British have ended the practice of slavery and any slaves who escape to the islands of Nassau are given freedom and are allowed to remain there. Putnam is sent to see if they would reverse their policy, but his own beliefs are that no one should be enslaved.
-He gets a taste of how duplicitous the government can be when his ship is hit by a storm and he must dock in St Augustine, Florida. The Seminole Indians have been mostly displaced, and the remaining members had been promised that the lands they had been given would remain under their control. When the US government officials now renege and want to force them to leave, despite their promise, Bliven is forced to bring his vessel’s crew to assist the government in putting down the Indian uprising, which leaves a bad taste with Putnam.
-From there, he returns home, where a reverend, Reverend Beecher, is inciting a riot against those who practice Catholicism, in particular, a nunnery. Beecher feels that the Catholic religion is devil worship, and when those who listen to his words burn down the local nunnery, Beecher is glad, to the horror of Putnam. The Mother Superior of the nunnery holds no ill will towards those who committed this hateful act, and Putnam is impressed by her forgiveness of the perpetrators. Hatred of those who hold beliefs different from one’s own is something that further grates on Putnam. Both the issue of slavery and animosity towards those who worship differently are then uppermost in our minds when Putnam is then sent to Texas.
-Texas is known to be a slave state, and due to an edict issued by the Mexican government, only one religion is tolerated, so that all residents must convert to Catholicism. Putnam is now called out again for a new and secret mission, by none other than Andrew Jackson himself. Putnam is to be sent to Texas to commandeer a ship under the banner of Texas, in order to secretly aid the Texans in their fight against Santa Anna, the dictator of Mexico. His own ship which accompanied him on many missions across the seas, the Rapahanack, has a design that is now outdated as a warship and is slated to be scuttled, but to his surprise, once he gets to New Orleans to meet up with the ship that has been assigned to him, he sees that it’s his own ship, but it’s now been christened The Gonzalez.
-Bliven meets up with his old friend, Sam Bandy, who now lives in Texas and is a major figure in the resistance against Mexico, under Sam Houston. Houston knows that Andrew Jackson’s involvement to aid Texas must be kept secret, and no one, except for just a few men, know of Putnam’s orders. The story spread is that he is a man who is enlisting in the Texas cause in order to be eligible for land that is being offered to those who will join the battle.
-Through Sam, who is now under Putnam’s command on the ship, Putnam will get a different idea of the beliefs of Texans as regards to blacks and slavery. It’s the horrors, though, of the cruelty of Santa Anna to those captured, that makes Putnam know he must succeed, and he shows his brilliance in strategy in several encounters on the seas, which are explained in great detail by this knowledgeable author. Putnam is not the perfect hero, but he is a person to be admired. He never loses his personal moral compass, though he tries to accept the failings of others as best he could. Even in defeat, he makes the most out of a situation and provides the best outcome possible.
-By combining actual history, which is related to us in great detail as if we’re experiencing the events as they happen, we get a feeling of the inner turmoil of the country. Besides pro slavery and anti slavery factions, there are divisions regarding religion and, as always, battles within each side for greater power. Even while the Texans are under attack, we witness the Texas government in disarray because of internal strife. In short, events are a lot more messy as compared to what we’re taught in elementary school. This is a heavily researched story, created around the framework of actual events, which make this story seem all the more real and enjoyable.
-It’s now the year 1834, and the United States is wracked with the issue of slavery. The south is pushing for its continuation while many in the north are pushing for its repeal. We’re exposed to both sides of the debate when the residents of Texas are considering seceding from Mexico, as Texas is known to allow for slavery. The inclusion of Texas as a state would add to the number of pro slavery states, which those in the north do not want.
-Putnam is called to active duty and is sent first to the Caribbean to speak to the heads of those islands under the control of the British. The British have ended the practice of slavery and any slaves who escape to the islands of Nassau are given freedom and are allowed to remain there. Putnam is sent to see if they would reverse their policy, but his own beliefs are that no one should be enslaved.
-He gets a taste of how duplicitous the government can be when his ship is hit by a storm and he must dock in St Augustine, Florida. The Seminole Indians have been mostly displaced, and the remaining members had been promised that the lands they had been given would remain under their control. When the US government officials now renege and want to force them to leave, despite their promise, Bliven is forced to bring his vessel’s crew to assist the government in putting down the Indian uprising, which leaves a bad taste with Putnam.
-From there, he returns home, where a reverend, Reverend Beecher, is inciting a riot against those who practice Catholicism, in particular, a nunnery. Beecher feels that the Catholic religion is devil worship, and when those who listen to his words burn down the local nunnery, Beecher is glad, to the horror of Putnam. The Mother Superior of the nunnery holds no ill will towards those who committed this hateful act, and Putnam is impressed by her forgiveness of the perpetrators. Hatred of those who hold beliefs different from one’s own is something that further grates on Putnam. Both the issue of slavery and animosity towards those who worship differently are then uppermost in our minds when Putnam is then sent to Texas.
-Texas is known to be a slave state, and due to an edict issued by the Mexican government, only one religion is tolerated, so that all residents must convert to Catholicism. Putnam is now called out again for a new and secret mission, by none other than Andrew Jackson himself. Putnam is to be sent to Texas to commandeer a ship under the banner of Texas, in order to secretly aid the Texans in their fight against Santa Anna, the dictator of Mexico. His own ship which accompanied him on many missions across the seas, the Rapahanack, has a design that is now outdated as a warship and is slated to be scuttled, but to his surprise, once he gets to New Orleans to meet up with the ship that has been assigned to him, he sees that it’s his own ship, but it’s now been christened The Gonzalez.
-Bliven meets up with his old friend, Sam Bandy, who now lives in Texas and is a major figure in the resistance against Mexico, under Sam Houston. Houston knows that Andrew Jackson’s involvement to aid Texas must be kept secret, and no one, except for just a few men, know of Putnam’s orders. The story spread is that he is a man who is enlisting in the Texas cause in order to be eligible for land that is being offered to those who will join the battle.
-Through Sam, who is now under Putnam’s command on the ship, Putnam will get a different idea of the beliefs of Texans as regards to blacks and slavery. It’s the horrors, though, of the cruelty of Santa Anna to those captured, that makes Putnam know he must succeed, and he shows his brilliance in strategy in several encounters on the seas, which are explained in great detail by this knowledgeable author. Putnam is not the perfect hero, but he is a person to be admired. He never loses his personal moral compass, though he tries to accept the failings of others as best he could. Even in defeat, he makes the most out of a situation and provides the best outcome possible.
-By combining actual history, which is related to us in great detail as if we’re experiencing the events as they happen, we get a feeling of the inner turmoil of the country. Besides pro slavery and anti slavery factions, there are divisions regarding religion and, as always, battles within each side for greater power. Even while the Texans are under attack, we witness the Texas government in disarray because of internal strife. In short, events are a lot more messy as compared to what we’re taught in elementary school. This is a heavily researched story, created around the framework of actual events, which make this story seem all the more real and enjoyable.
March 22, 2021
At first glance it would seem an author looking to set tales of the "wooden walls and iron men" era of naval fiction in the United States Navy wouldn't have many opportunities. After the War of 1812 ended the era of the steamship began and the next time warships bearing the stars and stripes engaged in action against the enemy was during the Civil War. But while many of the conflicts the new nation took on between 1815 and 1860 were on land, they did have some seagoing elements -- some of them clearly the word of the USN and other perhaps clandestinely so.
James L. Haley gives Capt. Bliven Putnam one such clandestine opportunity when the hero of three previous works finds himself under secret orders to aid the rebellious Republic of Texas as it tries to secede from Mexico in Captain Putnam for the Republic of Texas. An independent U.S.-leaning Texas serves the national interests as President Andrew Jackson sees it, but commercial U.S. interests in Mexico are willing to side against their former fellow countrymen in order to continue doing business with the military dictatorship of General Santa Anna. Santa Anna will be able to acquire all of the weaponry he needs to make his army of conscripts more than the equal of the Texas volunteers unless some of the shipments can be stopped from reaching their buyers. Jackson's scheme assigns Putnam to operate a surplus U.S. warship as a blockader. Texas military commander Sam Houston commissions Putnam and his old friend Sam Bandy as officers in the Republic of Texas Navy as a cover for their actions, in order that the U.S. not be seen to officially take sides in the conflict.
Haley has both a biography of Sam Houston and a history of Texas as a Spanish province, independent republic and part of the U.S. on his résumé so he is on familiar ground as he sets the stage for Putnam's exploits on behalf of the "Texians" seeking to throw off the dictatorial yoke of Santa Anna. He also throws some light on the nooks and crannies of the U.S.'s growing pains as a nation in the generations after the centers of power left the East Coast and migrated westward. New Englander Putnam is too young to have participated in the Revolutionary War but he would have fit in with that generation of men quite well.
The ascendancy of "westerners" like Andrew Jackson provides a new element to federal politics he doesn't much care for, but even among his own New England peers a kind of populist mob rule makes inroads as Protestant preachers rage against Catholics and their "papistry." From our perspective centuries later the different names and labels that people took during the time seem to all run together and we overlook that the U.S. of the early and middle 1800's had a number of pressures acting on it other than the dispute over slavery. Haley does a good job of showing how Putnam feels divided loyalties towards his friend, the southern slave-owning Bandy and also towards his duty to his nation and antipathy about the motives and actions of the crude and demagoguing Jackson.
But he does less well in getting Captain Putnam to hang together as a narrative; there seems to have just been not enough naval activity during the Texas war for independence to make a full story so we have a few digressions with Bandy as our viewpoint character interacting with Sam Houston at the climactic Battle of San Jacinto. At the beginning of the novel Putnam contracts malaria, which mostly serves as a way for him to pass out at junctures where it's good to fast-forward and let another character recap events for him. Haley's good at exposing the logistical and policy failures that were a part of government decisions then as well as now, and at making Putnam observe them from the outside without turning into a know-it-all visitor from the 21st century.
There aren't a lot more chances for Captain Putnam to take sail from Haley's pages; by the time of the Mexican-American war he'll be in his late 50s and into his 70s by the time of the Civil War. Haley may have in mind Putnam as a mirror of the real-life Admiral David Farragut, whose service stretched from fighting against the Barbary Pirates to damning torpedoes at the Battle of Mobile Bay. His website suggests that this fourth volume is the halfway point of the series; maybe some more clearly defined theaters of war and action might offer the remaining volumes a clearer focus and more well-defined narrative.
James L. Haley gives Capt. Bliven Putnam one such clandestine opportunity when the hero of three previous works finds himself under secret orders to aid the rebellious Republic of Texas as it tries to secede from Mexico in Captain Putnam for the Republic of Texas. An independent U.S.-leaning Texas serves the national interests as President Andrew Jackson sees it, but commercial U.S. interests in Mexico are willing to side against their former fellow countrymen in order to continue doing business with the military dictatorship of General Santa Anna. Santa Anna will be able to acquire all of the weaponry he needs to make his army of conscripts more than the equal of the Texas volunteers unless some of the shipments can be stopped from reaching their buyers. Jackson's scheme assigns Putnam to operate a surplus U.S. warship as a blockader. Texas military commander Sam Houston commissions Putnam and his old friend Sam Bandy as officers in the Republic of Texas Navy as a cover for their actions, in order that the U.S. not be seen to officially take sides in the conflict.
Haley has both a biography of Sam Houston and a history of Texas as a Spanish province, independent republic and part of the U.S. on his résumé so he is on familiar ground as he sets the stage for Putnam's exploits on behalf of the "Texians" seeking to throw off the dictatorial yoke of Santa Anna. He also throws some light on the nooks and crannies of the U.S.'s growing pains as a nation in the generations after the centers of power left the East Coast and migrated westward. New Englander Putnam is too young to have participated in the Revolutionary War but he would have fit in with that generation of men quite well.
The ascendancy of "westerners" like Andrew Jackson provides a new element to federal politics he doesn't much care for, but even among his own New England peers a kind of populist mob rule makes inroads as Protestant preachers rage against Catholics and their "papistry." From our perspective centuries later the different names and labels that people took during the time seem to all run together and we overlook that the U.S. of the early and middle 1800's had a number of pressures acting on it other than the dispute over slavery. Haley does a good job of showing how Putnam feels divided loyalties towards his friend, the southern slave-owning Bandy and also towards his duty to his nation and antipathy about the motives and actions of the crude and demagoguing Jackson.
But he does less well in getting Captain Putnam to hang together as a narrative; there seems to have just been not enough naval activity during the Texas war for independence to make a full story so we have a few digressions with Bandy as our viewpoint character interacting with Sam Houston at the climactic Battle of San Jacinto. At the beginning of the novel Putnam contracts malaria, which mostly serves as a way for him to pass out at junctures where it's good to fast-forward and let another character recap events for him. Haley's good at exposing the logistical and policy failures that were a part of government decisions then as well as now, and at making Putnam observe them from the outside without turning into a know-it-all visitor from the 21st century.
There aren't a lot more chances for Captain Putnam to take sail from Haley's pages; by the time of the Mexican-American war he'll be in his late 50s and into his 70s by the time of the Civil War. Haley may have in mind Putnam as a mirror of the real-life Admiral David Farragut, whose service stretched from fighting against the Barbary Pirates to damning torpedoes at the Battle of Mobile Bay. His website suggests that this fourth volume is the halfway point of the series; maybe some more clearly defined theaters of war and action might offer the remaining volumes a clearer focus and more well-defined narrative.
April 26, 2022
An enjoyable read, the fourth book in the Bliven Putnam naval history series. This book focuses on events of the war to establish the Republic of Texas. It includes a much-simplified account of the battle of San Jacinto and completely fictional accounts of the Texian Navy (though there was, briefly, a Texian navy between 1835 and 1836, followed by a Texas Navy, which merged with the U.S. Navy in 1846). As a former Texan, I can appreciate Haley's description (apparently not far from the truth) of the disorderly and undisciplined Texian army that Sam Houston barely kept under control.
This volume focuses on the friendship between Bliven Putnam and his long-time friend, Sam Bandy. Although Captain Putnam appears ready to retire at the end of the book, there are hints that further stories may be in the works.
This volume focuses on the friendship between Bliven Putnam and his long-time friend, Sam Bandy. Although Captain Putnam appears ready to retire at the end of the book, there are hints that further stories may be in the works.
October 12, 2021
Thoroughly engaging!
The entanglements of sea faring men especially in times of war and conflict could not have been more engagingly presented. Captain Putnam’s character remained true to his persona in previous novels. Indeed, all characters were well defined and added to the overall perspective of the times in which they lived. I thoroughly enjoyed all four Putnam novels and can only hope for one more.
The entanglements of sea faring men especially in times of war and conflict could not have been more engagingly presented. Captain Putnam’s character remained true to his persona in previous novels. Indeed, all characters were well defined and added to the overall perspective of the times in which they lived. I thoroughly enjoyed all four Putnam novels and can only hope for one more.
August 19, 2021
Well Written
One of my ancestors, Alexandre Ricord was for a time secretary to Samuel Houston, and was given a gift of land by the legislature there. So little is generally known of the struggles there and the price paid. The author does A credible job of weaving the novel into actual history, and is to be commended for his effort.
One of my ancestors, Alexandre Ricord was for a time secretary to Samuel Houston, and was given a gift of land by the legislature there. So little is generally known of the struggles there and the price paid. The author does A credible job of weaving the novel into actual history, and is to be commended for his effort.
December 31, 2022
Always well written…
Another enjoyable read. Mr Haley always weaves a fine tale interspersed with unique aspects of history that enrich the reader. For my own preference I found this a little light on actual naval engagement, but everything as presented truly moved the story forward.
Me. Haley, Thank you for a damn fine series.
Another enjoyable read. Mr Haley always weaves a fine tale interspersed with unique aspects of history that enrich the reader. For my own preference I found this a little light on actual naval engagement, but everything as presented truly moved the story forward.
Me. Haley, Thank you for a damn fine series.
August 18, 2023
Another rip-roaring adventure for Capt. Bliven Putnam, brought to us by author James L. Haley. As a lover of American history, I have enjoyed all the books in this series. The author has presented a fiction that strongly relies on actual historical happenings.
If you love a good adventure whee you might accidentally learn something about our history in the process, this series is for you.
If you love a good adventure whee you might accidentally learn something about our history in the process, this series is for you.
April 11, 2022
I have read all Haley's books and enjoyed them all; lots of action and excitement in very inserting stories. The books give a slant on lots of history that I wasn't aware of. THANKS JAMES keep writing
January 25, 2025
Same comments and rating for all four books: Very entertaining reading and a story arc that comes off as very plausible and not as a hagiography. The story of a good man who encounters ups and downs in his career but always rises to the occasion. I enjoyed his journey.
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March 14, 2021Reviewed by Si Dunn for Lone Star Literary Life.
June 10, 2021
Enjoyed the story very much, lots of history and research went into writing it.
June 16, 2021
Enjoyable historical fiction. Quickly read and happily consumed.
November 6, 2021
Lots of insight to the war between Texas and Mexico. A war not covered in my high school history class
July 18, 2023
Illustrating a little known aspect of US history.
June 21, 2024
Another good wholesome book about Captain Putnam. Some nice Texas history too
December 13, 2023
Once again, I jumped into the middle of a series. Whoops! I don't think this one was as critical to know all of the backstory of, but I imagine if I had read the other books first, it wouldn't have taken 2/3 of the book to get into it. I might try to read the other books in the series. The author obviously takes pains to be historically accurate, and compared to other historical fiction novels I've read lately, that's a huge win.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews