H.M.S Valor

by Cal Clement

  “You wouldn’t be the first among us to lose their breakfast over the rail girl. In fact, Trina spent her first month aboard looking green and spilling out everything we fed her.” Chibs said consoling her. The combination of the smell from the slaver ship, the motion of the seas and the sight of Captain James’ ending the former first mate of the slavers had accumulated and hit Lilith overwhelmingly. As they walked, crew from the maiden were already preparing the slave ship to sail.

  “Who will stay aboard the Maiden Chibs? Where will the other crew sail to? What’s going to happen to me?” Lilith had so many questions she almost couldn’t get them out quick enough. Chibs could sense a nervous apprehension in her, more so than most newcomers and even most freed slaves that had come onto the crew.

  “Well, I suppose we will find out soon enough. The Captain intends to hold a vote, he’ll ask for a dozen or so able sailors to go with our prize ship and most likely train the freed slaves themselves to crew it. I will stay aboard the Maiden; you are free to go wherever you decide. You could even leave the ship next time we make port if you so desire.” Chibs answered. He had pulled and packed a pipe with tobacco while he was talking, then pulling out a wick he stole some flame from an oil lamp as he finished answering Lilith he began puffing away.

  “How long have you been on the Maiden?” Lilith asked.

  “Since before she was the ‘Drowned Maiden’ girl. She started as the ‘Lord’s Maiden’ a ship of the East India Trading Company. I was her first mate. My last voyage under the authority of the company was a load of spice and tea from the far east to Kingston. We took on human cargo, much like that bugger we just captured, one of those we took on was our Captain James. He had been captured and bought and sold, whipped and beaten, hid as stowaway and betrayed, tortured and shot. He is probably the toughest person in the world, but I’ve never met a truer soul in all my days, I’d follow him to the ends of the earth,” explained Chibs.

  “How did she come to be a pirate ship if you worked for the East India Company?” Lilith asked.

  “Ah. We mutinied on her former Captain, dear. There were a few members of the crew who took issue with the leadership of our Captain and the decision to take on slave cargo was the last straw. We killed the bastard and took the ship.” Chibs recalled.

  “How did James come to be Captain then?” Lilith asked, still intrigued that a freed slave like herself could become a Captain on a pirate vessel.

  “We voted on it, though he wasn’t our first elected Captain after the mutiny. The Maiden was pursued by the company and naturally, the British fleet. We wound up in an engagement with a pair of large line ships. James came up with an idea to sail in a circle around an island, we set a couple longboats ashore with cannons. James and a few of the crew set them up right on the beach and when those Brits come around the bend those boys lit into both of them. The warships turned all their attention to the shore guns, they really had no choice in the matter, James had them dialed in after the first shot. Those big ships were at a disadvantage close into shore, they draw more depth under their keel, and we hove the Maiden farther out, pinning the bastards between our guns and James’ on shore. Between accurate fire from the beach and the volleys from the Maiden, those big warships didn’t stand a chance. James is a smart lad, he took two twelve foot lengths of chain with him, they heated those up red hot in a fire and loaded them into the cannons. They set those ships ablaze and the crews couldn’t reload and fight their fire quick enough to withstand the volleys we laid on em.” Chibs looked aloft into the evening as he spoke, pipe smoke rolling out of his nostrils. “The first Captain we’d elected was killed in that fight. One of the only shots they landed on us that day, hit our rail and cut the poor sod clean in half. Once we’d sunk the pair of warships and everyone realized James’ plan had made it all possible, it was unanimous.”

  Lilith’s head had settled, and her stomach seemed more at ease. The whirlwind of events leading her here had seemed to escalate towards this very moment and she was thankful for the calm skies and steady breeze. Almost as if he were reading her mind, Chibs spoke again.

  “It’ll likely be fair seas tonight and tomorrow. The red and pink hues up there don’t often lie. But we’ll need every bit of good fortune we can get. There’s a fight brewing in the Captain’s heart and that means for every soul on these ships as well.” Chibs exclaimed, smoke rolling down from his mouth as he spoke. It was a sweet smell that Lilith only recalled smelling in the estate home, it wasn’t connected with fond memories but for some reason the smell comforted her, and she felt very close to Chibs. He had a fatherly quality in his voice when they talked, and Lilith felt safe just being near him. He was the oldest man on the Maiden, but he projected a strength and calm Lilith had never seen before. From her experiences, white men all seemed so angry all the time but Chibs’ kind manner endeared her to him.

  H.M.S Valor

  14 Aug 1808

  46 Degrees 23’ N, 14 Degrees 12’ W

  Will stood high above the deck of the Valor aloft of the main and top sails. The view was spectacular, the wind at his back and the smell of early dawn lifted his spirits as high as the thin wispy clouds stretching across the sky. The sun peaking above the eastern horizon brought the promise of another day at sea and yet another day of pursuit from the French sloop. Will had climbed high atop the rigging to be the first to spot her sails off behind the Valor. Several times in the last two days of steady pursuit, Captain Grimes had turned the Valor to and unleashed cannon fire to stave off the French ship. Still, the dogged pursuit continued. Will had spoken with the Captain at length of their tactical options. They could surely outgun the smaller French warship and if they boarded her would easily outnumber the crew, even after the casualties they took engaging the others. But Captain Grimes insisted on toying her along, lengthening the engagement. The fight had wounded the Valor and she was handicapped in battle without her lead starboard gun, but still very capable in combat.

  “Just hope we don’t have to trade broadsides with any frigates our class,” said Will to himself as he searched the horizons for the French sails. In the pre-dawn light, he hadn’t been able to locate the sloop and with the sun baring all to his eye he scoured the horizon, revealing no sails. It was a small relief, even with a heavy advantage against the smaller ship and crew, every engagement carried the chance of losing their ship and crew to the depths of the sea. William scanned across the horizons again searching for any sign of the enemy warship to no avail. They had lost her, no doubt she was still out there, but probably had turned away from their pursuit. Captain Grimes had intended to draw her out from their first engagement weighing whether there was another squadron of ships in cohort with the first three. Just thinking of it again made Will’s chest swell, they had engaged three ships, one of which was far out of the Valor’s class and succeeded. It would surely be a high note in the Admiralty’s report to the crown when word traveled home about their engagement.

  Climbing down from the rigging, William met Captain Grimes on deck.

  “No sign of the French sloop Sir. It appears she has broken pursuit.” William reported.

  “Perhaps Will, but we must remain alert. Let’s keep an extra lookout for the next few days.” Grimes answered quickly. He was obviously distracted by something; Will could tell his thoughts lie elsewhere.

  “Is something amiss Sir?” Will asked. Captain Grimes made fast eye contact with his first lieutenant and motioned for him to follow. The two walked aft to the quarter deck and when the Captain was certain they would be out of hearing from the rest of the crew, he leaned in slightly to William.

  “Lieutenant Cobb has raised questions of Mr. Shelton’s conduct in our engagement with the French. Apparently, he ordered the young man to assist with the recovery of the starboard battery when gun one was struck by the French shot. Cobb has informed me he saw Mr. Shelton coming up from the hold after the engagement was over.” Said Grimes. He was visibly disturbed by this revelation and W
illiam could see the matter was consuming to the Captain.

  “If he was in fact in the hold during the engagement Sir, that would constitute cowardice in the face of the enemy.” William replied. It was an obvious statement and he knew the Captain had already come to that conclusion; the gravity of the charge however gave them both pause. If in fact Midshipman Shelton had been hiding in the ship’s hold below the waterline, he was in fact guilty of cowardice in the face of the enemy. The only prescribed punishment for which would be death. William knew Captain Grimes had a fondness of the young Midshipman, often giving the youth extra instruction in matters of navigation and seamanship. It was no secret that Shelton’s father was a friend to Captain Grimes, both serving together as midshipmen early in their careers. This made the matter even more difficult for the Captain, his duty would require him to see the young man put to death on the high sea.

  “Would you see to it that Mr. Shelton is put into irons. We will have an inquiry today and standard will be at dawn tomorrow. There must be no favoritism in this matter Will, the service demands absolute action where cowardice is concerned. His father will understand,” said Grimes, his tone low in both volume and spirit.

  “I certainly will Sir. But if you would permit me. I know there is no lost love between Cobb and Shelton, perhaps before putting the young man in irons I should examine his claim further?” Will asked. Captain Grimes hesitated slightly. It was no secret that Cobb did not care for the young midshipman, often displaying a tendency to be harder on him for it. But even the suspicion of favoritism among the crew could have terrible consequences on the good order and discipline aboard. But, then also, the false accusation of such would also create its own set of problems. A moment of silence fell between them as each pondered the predicament they were faced with. They shared a look and William could see the gravity of the decision on the Captain.

  “Very well William, see to your investigation into the matter. But come sundown, Mr. Shelton goes into irons and barring any new revelations, he will be hung at dawn according to the articles.” Grimes replied, his voice devoid of emotion.

  “Aye Sir. I will see to it personally.” William stated, turning sharply and heading off about his task.

  William’s plan was to first question Cobb and see where he could either validate or refute his claim of seeing Mr. Shelton emerging from the hold at the conclusion of the battle. William also thought it would be prudent to see if others among the crew recalled seeing him at his station during the fight. William was suspicious himself; he did not recall seeing Shelton amongst the starboard battery when he had gone down to the gun deck. William asked the watch officer to summon Cobb to meet him in the Captain’s quarters. Waiting in the cabin he reviewed what he could remember of the battle. Cobb was present on deck for the initial encounter, he was the watch officer who had summoned William. He knew Cobb was present for the beginning volley with the French sloop, but after that when the Valor engaged the third rate, he did not recall seeing Cobb on deck. Cobb entered the cabin interrupting William’s thoughts, he appeared flustered before William even had the chance to begin the conversation.

  “I was inspecting the repairs underway to the starboard gun port damage Sir. What could not wait?” Guffawed the irritated lieutenant.

  “Well, Lieutenant Cobb.” William said, ignoring his insubordinate tone. “I have some questions about crew conduct during our engagement with the French. Mr. Shelton was seen exiting the hold after the engagement. Can you tell me more about that?”

  “Why, yes Sir. I can.” Cobb replied, his tone melting as his temperament changed rapidly. “After the hit on lead starboard gun, I did see Mr. Shelton coming out of the hold. He could not have been at his assigned place of duty during the engagement.”

  “I see and where were you when this took place Mr. Cobb?” William asked, his tone and facial expression unyielding.

  “Well Sir, I went below to the gun deck as we were coming about to lay our broadside on them. I knew if we took any impact every available hand would be needed.” Said Cobb earnestly.

  “Very well Lieutenant, you may go and see to repairs. Please do send Mr. Shelton along and also the gun three leader if you will,” said Will. “Do remember Mr. Cobb, I am second in command aboard this ship. If you are summoned, it matters not how inconvenienced you are, I am not disrespectful to you. I expect the same.” William turned to look out the row of windows across the fantail as he spoke, hoping to conceal his awkward manner of dressing down a subordinate.

  “Aye Sir.” Cobb replied, a glimmer of anger flashing across his eyes.

  This matter of accusation among the crew completely unsettled William, especially now as the French sloop had suddenly broken off contact. She could be anywhere and with good handling and favorable winds, could run out of sight around the Valor and be laying in wait somewhere. France has their spies in London and elsewhere as does the British Crown, anything was possible. This was certainly not a time to be dealing with discipline issues. But there really is no good or convenient time for matters like this. The steady pitch and roll of the ship altered slightly, no doubt a change in course ordered by Captain Grimes. William noted the bright sun was racing toward noon just as the bells tolled out confirming his observation. “This matter needs to be resolved before sunset. Damn it if I’m going to have to slap that shod in irons on Cobb’s word alone,” he spoke to himself. The hatch swung open and Shelton reported in along with the gun leader on starboard gun three.

  “Good afternoon men.” William began, bypassing any pleasantries. “Mr. Shelton, I have been made aware that you were seen coming out of the hold immediately after the engagement with the French. More specifically, that you were not at your assigned place of duty when we took the hit to starboard one’s gun port. Explain yourself man.”

  “Well, Sir, I was. I was behind the gun line for the whole ordeal. When we took the hit, I myself tipped starboard three’s water over the powder charges laying about the wreckage from the cannon.” Shelton stammered. His face flushed and he looked angry and nervous at the same time.

  “Why did Cobb see you coming out of the hold then?” William pressed.

  “It was Lieutenant Cobb who ordered me to go there in the first place Sir. He told me to fetch the surgeon and a litter for the wounded.” Shelton answered, his voice steadying.

  “I can attest Sir. I heard the order. Mr. Shelton shoved me down when the shot hit Sir, saved me life. Then he grabbed our swab bucket and soaked the powder charges that were exposed, might’ve saved the ship Sir.” offered the petty officer.

  “Very well you two. Thank you. You are dismissed.” William replied.

  Lieutenant Pike found the Captain on deck and briefly covered his conversations with the three men bringing Grimes apprised of the missing details Cobb had omitted. The two officers shared a concerned look, each knowing what was required to maintain order and discipline on the ship. The Captain was silent, William could see he was deep in thought. Both men knew the accusation Cobb had made, if supported by a witness or some form of evidence was enough to put the young man to death. But falsely accusing an officer was also a grievous infraction and Shelton had a witness supporting his claim. Grimes and William agreed that Cobb’s accusation was largely self-serving. It was no secret aboard the Valor, Cobb held disdain for Shelton.

  “Very well William, I have changed my mind. Default will be tomorrow at noon. Have the crew assembled and have Lieutenant Davitts arrange for the Marines to stand lookout while we conduct our affairs. I won’t be caught off guard by the damned bloody Frenchman while we sort this lot out.” Grimes instructed.

  “Sir, do you want him placed in irons in the meantime?” William asked.

  “No Lieutenant Pike, I think what I have in mind will send a clear message to the crew. I will not tolerate a coward, nor a liar. These two will be dealt with accordingly. See to the crew Will, we will handle this. Have the master at arms there and ready with the cat and a hangman’s noose. That will
be all Lieutenant,” said Grimes. The Captain then abruptly turned and left the deck, retiring to his cabin. Will was left on the quarterdeck to organize for the default. The crew would all need to be assembled and in proper uniform and prepared for whatever Captain Grimes had in mind.

  William’s mind was abuzz while setting the crew to task, unsure of what the Captain planned to do exactly. He believed the account from Shelton, but did the Captain? What was he planning with the noose? Lieutenant Pike tried to remain focused on the crew, but the questions kept nagging him. If the Captain intended to punish both Lieutenant Cobb and Midshipman Shelton it would not be the first injustice he had witnessed in the King’s Navy.

  Chapter 4

  “Drowned Maiden”

  18 Aug 1808

  19 Degree 36’ N, 72 Degrees 59’ W

  The Maiden and her recently captured prize ship sailed in concert approaching a narrow inlet near the north finger of the island of Haiti. Captain James had timed their sail precisely, doubling back several times over the last few days to ensure the pair of ships was not being followed. The inlet he was navigating towards was not on most charts carried by European navies and the sandbar guarding its entrance was only known to a handful of the most experienced sailors in the Caribbean. As the sunset blazed its way below the western horizon throwing magnificent violet and orange hues high into the sky the pair of ships slipped their way into the inlet, carefully navigating past the sandbar. A compliment of experienced sailors had gone aboard the prize ship, undertaking the process of teaching the freed slaves aboard seamanship and sailing. The disposal of the slaver crew bought a quick but uneasy trust from the former captives and it took days before they let their guard down enough to participate whole heartedly. But with careful and skilled instruction from the members of the Maiden’s crew, the recently freed slaves began handling the prize ship aptly.