A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee" From the Diary of Number Five of the After Port Gun (Russell Doubleday): The Yarn of the Cruise and Fights of the Naval Reserves in the Spanish-American War

A young gunner’s notebook opens a window onto naval life at the turn of the century, when the United States was just entering the Spanish–American War. From the moment the reserve crew leaves New York aboard a tug and climbs the deck of the cruiser, the diary captures the clatter of gun crews, the salty routine of drills, and the vivid excitement of a nation setting sail for distant waters. The narrative is peppered with the sounds of steam, the glow of muzzle flashes, and the steady beat of orders that shape a camaraderie forged under pressure.

In addition to the front‑line action, the writer records daily chores, off‑duty moments on deck, and the awe of spotting foreign harbors for the first time. The voice is earnest and unpretentious, blending technical details of the after‑port gun with personal reflections that make the period feel immediate. Listeners will find a compelling blend of history and human experience, offering a lively portrait of a young sailor’s first taste of war and the resolve that carried him through the early days of the conflict.