Battles aren't always won through brute force—sometimes, deception and speed are the sharpest weapons. Captain Trevett’s raid on Nassau in 1776 was a masterclass in both. With only 26 Marines, he captured Fort Nassau by stealth, securing much-needed gunpowder and supplies without losing a single Marine. Lieutenant Molten seized Fort Montagu just as easily, and Marines also took several British ships, including the Mary, stocked with weapons, rum, and coffee.

But the British weren’t far behind. A 500-man garrison and a well-armed privateer threatened to retake what the Marines had stolen. Trevett had to outmaneuver his enemies, using bluffs and quick thinking to escape Nassau with everything intact. This operation was more than a daring raid—it was a critical moment in early Marine Corps history, proving their ability to strike fast, hit hard, and disappear before the enemy could react.

The British seized Philadelphia in late 1777, forcing American ships like the Boston and the Providence to scramble for men and supplies, often amid desertion and lack of discipline. John Paul Jones clashed bitterly with Lieutenant Thomas Simpson over command of the Ranger, ultimately losing his ship to the very officer he’d charged with insubordination. Meanwhile, the Boston struggled to crew up before ferrying John Adams to France, where he joined commissioners securing the new French alliance. This alliance transformed the war’s scope—Britain refocused on defending its coasts and colonies, while Americans like Captain Rathbun and Marine Captain John Trevett grew bolder, setting their sights on British strongholds like Fort Nassau. Despite setbacks, the Continental Navy and Marines pressed on, refining their tactics, forging new recruits, and striking wherever Britain was vulnerable.

The American Revolution wasn’t just fought on land—it raged across the seas, where the Continental Marines played a crucial role. One of their most daring missions came in 1778 aboard the Ranger, under the command of John Paul Jones. Sailing across the Atlantic, Marines and sailors struck British trade routes, launched raids, and brought the war to enemy shores. Their courage and discipline were tested in battles like the raid on Whitehaven and the clash with HMS Drake. These Marines proved that even a small, determined force could challenge the world’s most powerful navy.

As winter tightened its grip, General Washington's army faced immense challenges after several defeats. Outnumbered and pursued by British forces under General William Howe, Washington turned to Major Nicholas and his Marines aboard the frigates Delaware and Washington to strengthen his defenses.

At the same time, General Israel Putnam worked to protect Philadelphia, striving to prevent British ships like the HMS Roebuck from blocking the city. Fearing the loss of their valuable fleet, Congress ordered the Randolph and Hornet to defend the Delaware River. The British threat was so significant that American leaders even considered burning their own ships rather than allowing them to be captured. Amid this tension, Washington made a daring decision: crossing the ice-choked Delaware River on Christmas night to launch a surprise attack on the Hessians at Trenton. With the crucial support of the Marines, Washington’s bold move reinvigorated the American cause and marked a turning point in the quest for independence.

The challenges faced by Continental forces during the Revolution extended far beyond the battlefield. Recruitment was a constant struggle, with many soldiers deserting or opting for more profitable privateering roles. Meanwhile, Congress fought to fund a navy that could compete with Britain’s overwhelming fleet. In response, leaders like Robert Morris and John Paul Jones embraced bold strategies, raiding British colonies and targeting the transatlantic slave trade.

In the middle of this chaos, Marines rose to the occasion.Mastering naval combat and boarding actions aboard the Ranger and Randolph, they stopped mutinies, resolved supply shortages, and stabilized leadership. As the conflict intensified, the Marines would continue to prove themselves, playing a key role in the next phase of the Revolution.

The Revolutionary War is rich with famous leaders like George Washington and John Paul Jones, but history also owes much to individuals like Marine John Trevett. His story, while overlooked, offers a fascinating look into the sacrifices and struggles of the Continental Navy and Marine Corps. From his service aboard the Providence to bold missions like the Raid of the Bahamas, Trevett’s contributions proved vital to the fight for independence.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore how Trevett’s courage, resilience, and ingenuity shaped key moments in America’s naval history. His story highlights the unsung contributions of those who helped forge the path to freedom.

Cadwalader led his men deeper into New Jersey, with Marines at his side. Supplies dwindled, shoes fell apart, and icy winds pierced their thin coats. Despite these hardships, they pressed on, scavenging Hessian gear and relying on local towns for provisions. Each minor victory sparked hope, though desertions and illness thinned their ranks.

The Marines played key roles in pivotal clashes—at Trenton, the defense of Assunpink Creek, and Princeton. Nicholas’s men stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Continental Army, facing British and Hessian forces directly.

By the time they reached Morristown, the Marines were dispersed—some folded into Army units, others reassigned to new ships. Yet their ingenuity and fighting spirit left a lasting mark, shaping the course of battle.

As winter tightened its grip, General Washington's army faced immense challenges after several defeats. Outnumbered and pursued by British forces under General William Howe, Washington turned to Major Nicholas and his Marines aboard the frigates Delaware and Washington to strengthen his defenses.

At the same time, General Israel Putnam worked to protect Philadelphia, striving to prevent British ships like the HMS Roebuck from blocking the city. Fearing the loss of their valuable fleet, Congress ordered the Randolph and Hornet to defend the Delaware River. The British threat was so significant that American leaders even considered burning their own ships rather than allowing them to be captured. Amid this tension, Washington made a daring decision: crossing the ice-choked Delaware River on Christmas night to launch a surprise attack on the Hessians at Trenton. With the crucial support of the Marines, Washington’s bold move reinvigorated the American cause and marked a turning point in the quest for independence.

Major Samuel Nicholas, the first Marine Commandant, organized new detachments for freshly built frigates like the Washington, Randolph, Effingham, and Delaware. Officers like Benjamin Dean and Andrew Porter tackled recruitment challenges, while men like Robert Maullen recruited Marines from Philadelphia’s taverns and endured British captivity.

Though short on resources, these Marines guarded key locations, prepared for shipboard combat, and even marched north to defend Philadelphia from a potential British invasion. Meanwhile, Commodore Esek Hopkins faced scrutiny for the Bahamas raid, and Captains Dudley Saltonstall and Abraham Whipple came under investigation.

Amid political turmoil, disease, and shortages, the Marines developed discipline and honed their combat skills. As General Washington retreated across New Jersey, Marine units readied for action, standing firm in their commitment to independence.

By early 1776, Captain Miles Pennington was recruiting Marines aboard the Reprisal, laying the groundwork for what would become a legendary fighting force. These new recruits quickly faced their first challenge during the Fire Boats Operation, using burning vessels to disrupt British ships. Officers like Luke Matthewman and Robert Scott worked tirelessly to fill the ranks of the Lexington, embracing the Marine mindset of improvising and adapting.

Commodore Esek Hopkins and the Reprisal clashed with British patrols in the Caribbean, forging French alliances while capturing enemy prizes. The Lexington seized British vessels as well, including a bold Marine-led recapture.