Under Dewey at Manila : or, The war fortunes of a castaway

A determined young American named Larry Russell leaves a restless life on the mainland and heads west, hoping to find work in the bustling ports of Hawaii. When jobs are scarce, he signs on as a deckhand, learning the ropes of a seafaring existence and confronting the perils of storms, shipboard discipline, and his own uneasy sense of duty. His adventure quickly takes a dramatic turn when a mishap leaves him stranded on a remote island, forcing him to survive with only his wits and a steadfast faith.

Rescued by the U.S. Asiatic Squadron, Larry is taken aboard the newly commissioned warship Olympia, where he becomes a gunner’s assistant under the command of Commodore (later Admiral) Dewey. As tensions with Spain flare into open conflict, the crew prepares for a decisive encounter that will shape the nation’s naval reputation. Listeners are invited to share Larry’s honest, spirited journey from hopeful sailor to participant in one of the most celebrated battles of the era.