Max, the eldest son of Captain Levis Raymond (Elsie's son-in-law), has decided to follow in his father's footsteps and join the United States Navy. The summer before he is to enter as a cadet, Max travels out west with his sister Lulu and their father on a business trip to the land owned by the latter. They then join the rest of the extended family on the east coast. Captain Raymond purchases a yacht and takes those family members who wish to accompany him on a tour of various Revolutionary war sites along the coast. Much of the book is spent discussing the details of various battles and other incidents related to the war.