Book excerpt: In 1776 when Abel Sprague was 17 years old, he served on Massachusetts� first of five newly constructed Navy ships, the Brigantine Independence and was captured in a battle near Nova Scotia. Later that same day while the British were celebrating their victory, he was assigned as a member of an escape crew that stole back the British prize ship Nancy and returned it to Massachusetts. The members of that crew are listed in the book. THE LIBRARY OF THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION in Louisville, KY acknowledged the book�s acceptance with a �Thank you for thinking of the SAR Library, this will make a good addition to our growing collection.� The Chronicles of Patriot Abel Sprague is a compelling non-fiction narrative of the ancestral beginnings, family history and Revolutionary War experiences of Howland�s great-great-great grandfather Abel Sprague. It is a story of patriotism, as well as physical and mental fortitude.� Heath Herald, Heath, MA June/July 2019