Heroic effort

Glover's men proved as crucial as the change in the wind. In a feat of extraordinary seamanship, at the helm and manning oars hour after hour, they negotiated the river's swift, contrary currents in boats so loaded with troops and supplies, horses and cannon, that the water was often but inches below the gunnels - and all in pitch dark, with no running lights. Few men ever had so much riding on their skill, or were under such pressure, or performed so superbly.

[From 1776, by David McCullough. This is an account of the heroic Massachusetts fishermen and sailors, commanded by John Glover, who transported the bulk of the American army away from the site of the Battle of Long Island before the British could again attack.]