During the 1840's young Peter Hamilton of Boston had one thought in mind—going to sea. The realization that a broken ankle had smashed his chances of sailing with Captain Ben Forbes on the Mermaid made his convalescence almost impossible to bear. But when the Irish seaman, Michael Shaughnessy, put into port, Peter found himself with a project on his hands that made him forget his slowly mending ankle.

For Michael brought word of a tragedy overseas that stirred the teen-ager's heart. Stories of the grim potato famine in Ireland that threatened Michael's own family spurred Peter to action that was to be the first instance of American aid to distressed countries.

The part Peter played in convincing Captain Ben Forbes and the Boston City Council to sponsor and support a relief ship to the starving Shamrock Isle; how permission was granted by the Congress of the United States to use the warship USS Jamestown on the mission, sparks this adventurous intrigue. Peter Hamilton did get to sea—as a green deck hand on the ship he helped to sponsor.

The voyage to Ireland, a theft aboard ship that casts suspicion on all the crew, the delivery of supplies to a grateful people, and finally a desperate fight in the ghostly catacombs of Blarney Castle gave Peter Hamilton experiences he had never bargained for. An unusual story, Shamrock Cargo is tinged with the mystery and suspense that every reader is sure to enjoy!

From the dust jacket