by Perry Comer
“Aye,” Honest said and rose. He drank from the dipper and replaced it back in the cask.
“Hornet is getting underway!” Hanson yelled.
Donland jammed his hat on his head and stood. “Off with you Honest, don't dawdle!” He turned toward the beach to get a clear view of Hornet. She was indeed getting underway. Stinger was also beginning to move. Both vessels were taking advantage of the light winds and heading away from the cay and toward where Donland believed the Dons were setting up the battery.
“Hold fire Mister Watson, I'll not chance a ball hitting Hornet!” Donland shouted.
In moments he would know the truth of the Dons intention, Hornet and Stinger would be easy targets before they could tack away from the anchorage. He found himself holding his breath.
The flash of a gun on Hornet startled him, as did the reverberating boom that followed. Then the second gun fired and was followed by each gun on the side. Ashcroft had either seen the battery or had observed the fall of shot from the headland gun.
“That should do for the battery!” Watson said. Donland had not noticed the army lieutenant approaching.
“Aye, Lieutenant Watson, aye,” Donland said.
In the moonlight, Donland was able to see Hornet's sails beginning to bellow full and hard. Stinger followed in Hornet's wake and when her guns began to fire, Donland was not surprised and smiled. “Grape for good measure!” he remarked.
There was no answering fire from the Dons. Donland watched as Stinger, Hornet, and Folly, gained enough headway and speed to tack. He knew they would be vulnerable for the better part of an hour to pursuit by the Spanish ships anchored in San Juan. If they had weighed anchor and were getting underway, it would be a matter of seamanship. The smaller sloops and their consorts would have the advantage. He watched the ships until they disappeared beyond the headland. His attention was drawn away from the ships by the smell of smoke. He spun around and saw several men gathered around a small fire. “Douse that fire!” He shouted.
A man flashed past him and began kicking sand on the fire, “Damn fools, I'll cut your gizzards out for your stupidity!” Watson said and shouted curses.
The fire was out in seconds.
“Down!” Hanson shouted and his shout was answered by a ball crashing through the treetops sending a shower of splinters raining down on the guns.
“They've got the range!” Watson said.
“Aye, or they were lucky. They'll not know where the ball landed unless they have a night glass,” Donland answered. He was almost certain the Spaniards had a night glass.
“Gunners, plot the next flash of that gun! Hold it when you're sure!” Donland ordered.
The next flash came almost three minutes after the first. The ball crashed through the treetops to the east of where the guns were situated.
“There!” several men shouted.
Donland came to Watson's side. “Confirm it, Lieutenant.”
Watson moved from man to man who held an outstretched arm. He lifted the glass and scanned the beach on the far side of the anchorage. “There Captain, a glint of light,” Watson said and pointed.
Donland took the glass and sighted on the spot where Watson was pointed. He studied it until his eye began to water then saw it, a glint of light, possibly off the lens of a telescope or something mirrored a man was wearing. “Well to the right of where you have been firing,” Donland remarked.
“I believe it to be as well,” Watson acknowledged. “The ships would have had a better view and I suspect they did some damage, but one gun was undamaged.
A thought occurred to Donland. “Lieutenant send a man to our left about twenty yards have him build a small fire, as soon as it is lit, put it out.”
“A fire Captain?” Watson asked with surprise in his voice. Before Donland could answer, Watson answered his own question. “A target Sir!”
“Aye, a target. Tell him to move about three yards and build another. It will draw their fire and perhaps confuse them.”
The fire was burning in less than five minutes.
“Captain!” Honest called.
“You've found it?” Donland asked.
“Aye, it's the right road, it runs along the swamp that is no more than five chains to the east of us,” Honest said.
“Down!” Hanson shouted. Seconds later a ball ripped through the treetops west of the battery near the extinguished fire.
Donland smiled; pleased the deception had worked. He said to Honest, “take your four men and gather up what food you can find and at least a keg of water. We'll not have time to do it when we leave this place.”
“Aye, Captain,” Honest replied and asked. “How long do you expect before we go?”
“We'll know within the hour,” Donland answered.
Watson came over to Donland and asked, “Shall I concentrate fire on that gun?”
“I think not Lieutenant, let them think we have moved on and abandoned the guns. But, do wedge those guns back around that we might hit any ship making for the headland,” Donland said.
“I don't think that is wise Captain, that gun is a danger to us,” Watson asserted.
Donland was not comfortable with a subordinate questioning his order and held his tongue while considering Watson's counsel. It was a risk but the danger to Hornet and the other ships was greater. He chose his words carefully, “Thank you, Lieutenant, for bringing the risk to my attention, but my duty lies with those we have rescued. I do believe the Dons will send ships, perhaps two frigates and a ship of the line. Our ships would not fare well, so for that reason, we must prepare to hit them and hit them hard when they approach the headland. They will be well within the range of these guns.”
Watson nodded and said, “I see your logic, we'll shift the guns.”
The Dons did not fire again and their lack of fire concerned Donland. He held the glass to his eye and scanned the shoreline but could see nothing. Clouds began to come and go. The lack of light added to his concern and when the moon was completely hidden and it seemed the cloud cover was going to last, he made up his mind.
“Mister Hanson assemble the men. We shall take to the jungle,” Donland ordered in the blackness.
“Aye, Captain,” Hanson answered then asked, “What of the guns?”
“Leave them, I want us to be well away before the Dons decide to venture forth.”
In the darkness, Donland could hear the men moving about. There was the usual cursing and laughter as men gathered their few belongs.
“Quiet there” Watson shouted.
Donland called, “Honest?”
“Here Captain,” Honest answered from somewhere to Donland's right.
The night seemed as black as Donland had ever experienced. He asked, “Can you find your way?”
“Aye Captain, I've a lantern that I found with a bit of candle in it, should be enough to get along the path.”
Donland's eyes were adjusting to the darkness but under the canopy of trees, he felt blind. On the open sea, even on the blackest of nights with heavy cloud, he could manage. But here, it was different. “Light the candle and we'll follow. Have the men take up the supplies; use what men are necessary. It is best that you carry nothing save for your weapons and the lantern.”
“Aye, Captain,” Honest answered.
“Lieutenant Watson, you and three of your best-armed men can serve as our rear-guard.”
“Yes Sir,” Watson's voice came from the darkness.
No more than fifty yards from the battery, they came upon the road. The way became much easier and from behind him, Donland could hear the men jostling and joshing. He paid their noise no mind. It was to be a long night, one filled with the pests of the jungle. The men would bear it with good spirits if they were unhindered. His concern for the moment was getting them to Fajardo and aboard ship. There were Spanish troops in the town, at first light they would be aware of the British ships lying-to off their coasts. He had not seen a battery and felt the ships would be safe but gettin
g the men from the beach to the ship would be the challenge.
“Huts up ahead,” Honest said in a whisper.
Donland remembered the four huts and the children watching them pass. “We'll halt here,” Donland whispered back to Honest.
“Pass the word for Mister Hanson and Lieutenant Watson,” Donland said to the man behind him.
Hanson arrived first and Watson arrived moments later. Donland said in a normal tone, “There are huts ahead, I do not want the people disturbed or molested. Watch the men and if any man steps away I will have his backsides at the gratings. Is that understood?”
“Aye,” Hanson answered followed by Watson's, “Yes Sir, understood!”
Donland continued, “Pass the word as you return and tell them we will reach a small stream and make camp.”
They proceeded in silence and there was no light or movement in any of the huts. Donland was pleased. It was just a small obstacle to overcome. He knew the men were tired and probably as himself, thirsty and hungry. It had been a very long day and he was weary to the bone.
Chapter Fourteen
“The stream is just ahead,” Honest announced.
Donland was weary he was ready to collapse. “Make camp,” he ordered. “Those with the water and provisions come to me.”
“You two men, build a fire,” Donland ordered.
“Aye, Captain,” the seamen answered.
Honest set about building another fire, he sparked a pistol and his tender caught. The little flame grew and lighted the trail. Other fires soon appeared.
The man with the water cask pushed his way along the trail to where Donland waited. “Don't refill the cask from the stream, the water is bad. Ration what we have to the men, half a dipper per man.”
Donland saw Hanson and said to him, “Mister Hanson, see to the feeding of the men. We've not much, so see that no man is neglected.”
“Honest you go with Mister Hanson so there is no confusion.”
“Aye,” Honest said and rose from his place beside the fire.
The little fire was producing a good bit of smoke, Donland was glad for it just to keep the mosquitoes at bay. He lay down beside the fire and was soon asleep.
“Captain!” a voice called through the haze of sleep. A hand was shaking his shoulder. Donland sat upright. It was getting light, he could make out trees and overhead the pale light of dawn's approach. Hanson was standing over him. His face and hands itched from bug bites.
“First light Captain, shall I stir the men?” Hanson asked.
“Aye,” Donland managed and asked, “Have we water?”
“Here Captain,” Honest answered and held out the dipper.
Donland drank; he wanted to pour the water over his head and scrub away the itching. “How much remains?” he asked Honest.
“Enough for every man to have half a dipper as before,” Honest answered.
“See to it if you please.”
“Aye,”
Donland rose and eyed the small stream. He made his way to it and knelt down, cupped water in his hands and splashed his face. The smell of it was sour but it felt good. He washed his face with more of it. He was soon joined by several of the men.
“A biscuit Captain?” Honest asked.
“Aye,” Donland answered and accepted the biscuit. He took a small bite, allowed it to soften, become moist and then swallowed. It was a habit long since adopted. As a boy aboard his first ship he soon learned that the dry biscuits would cause a thirst not easily quenched and with the rationing of water on a ship, would lead to a long thirsty day.
Donland finished his biscuit. It was time to travel. “Mister Hanson, we will be off. We've got an hour or so walk before we reach the beach.”
“Lieutenant Watson we will resume as before,” Donland said to the young army officer.
Watson began kicking men's feet on his way to the rear of the column. “Right then, on your feet you lot. The Captain says we are an hour to the beach!”
The beach was deserted, as was the sea before him. Donland sat on the old hull of the overturned fishing boat. Last night's cloud cover had delayed the ships. Dewitt would not have advised risking the passage and Ashcroft would have heeded the caution. The shoals around the headland and down the coast leading to Fajardo would be tricky enough in the daylight and all but impossible at night.
Honest came from the trees, “The men need water,” he said.
“Aye,” Donland agreed. “Take two men and the water cask and go into the town. I've no money to give you have you a few coins?”
Honest grinned, “Aye Captain,” he answered and held out his hand containing three Spanish coins.
Donland considered asking how Honest had come by them but decided not to. The man was very resourceful and he should not have been surprised.
“Keep an eye out for any boats that we may make use of,” Donland said to Honest's back.
“Aye Captain,” Honest said and called the names of two men.
Donland continued to sit on the hull of the boat and watched the three men meander along the beach.
“Captain,” Hanson said and Donland turned.
“What is it, Mister Hanson?”
“The men are asking permission to come down and wash.”
Donland considered the request. He glanced at Honest and the two men then said, “Five at a time Mister Hanson for five minutes.”
“Aye Captain,” Hanson answered and started back to the trees.
Donland returned to gazing at the sea. Five men ran past him and waded into the surf. He watched them splashing about, he considered joining them but something caught the corner of his eye. Honest and the two men were running back. He stood and started walking toward Honest.
“Sail Captain!” Honest shouted from twenty yards away.
Donland stood and then climbed on to the rotting hull. There was a sail. He pulled the old wooden telescope from his belt and put the glass to his eye. Squinting against the morning glare he made out that the ship was square-rigged, two maybe three masted. He lowered the glass and blinked then put it to his eye again. Two-masted, he was certain. Either Atross or Folly! Most likely Folly for Jackson would be foolish enough to risk the shoals and Monroe would not.
“You men!” Donland shouted to the men in the water. Back on the beach, now!”
They heard and grudgingly waded back onto the sand.
“Mister Hanson send the remainder to wash, there's a sail!” Donland ordered.
The men hurried from the trees and waded into the surf.
“Can you make her out, Captain?” Hanson asked.
Donland beamed, “I'm almost certain it is Folly, my first, Lieutenant Jackson commands.”
“I pray it is so captain,” Hanson said.
Every man on the beach was soon watching the approach of the ship. Donland periodically put the old glass to his eye. The third time he did so, he was certain, it was Folly. No other sails appeared.
“She's alone,” Donland remarked to Hanson.
“Trouble, Captain?” Hanson asked.
Donland lifted the glass and scanned the horizon; he saw nothing. “Perhaps not Mister Hanson, wind and cloud may have hampered the others. We shall soon know.”
Folly's approach seemed to be like watching maple syrup drip. Donland grew increasingly thirsty as he stood in the hot sun. “I've going to the water,” he said to Hanson.
“Aye Captain, I'll join you,” Hanson said and kept stride with Donland into the surf.
By the time Donland had satisfied himself by washing and scrubbing Folly was reducing sail.
“You men,” Donland shouted. “Back to the trees!”
Donland watched as Folly hove-to and lowered a boat. He recognized Bill Freedman and Midshipman Allen climb down. He took it as a sign that all was well.
The boat crossed to the beach without difficulty and Allen stepped ashore.
“Captain Jackson's compliments Captain Donland, he would see you aboard,” Allen said with formalit
y.
“Aye,” Donland said and asked? “Have you other boats?”
“No, just the one Captain.”
“Very well, we shall have to make do. How many aboard the Folly?”
“Eighteen crew and we took aboard twenty from the cay.”
Donland smiled a tight smile and said, “We shall have to make do.” He eyed the boat; there was room for maybe eight others.
“Mister Hanson, eight men into the boat,” Donland ordered and turned back to Allen.
“What of Hornet and the other ships?”
Allen was thoughtful for a moment and then said, “Once we were clear of the headland the others were some distance from us, Captain Jackson chose to sail close inshore and around the headland we still had wind. Then it died and we were adrift, the tide was against us. Later in the night as the tide was on the ebb, there was a current and we were able to drift along the coast. Captain Jackson had men in the chains and the anchor hove short. Folly rubbed some on a shoal but did not ground. We lost sight of the other ships so I can't say more.”
“Very well, Mister Allen, take these to Folly and return for the others. Give my compliments to Captain Jackson, I shall wait for the last boat,” Donland said.
“Aye Captain,” Allen replied and stepped over the gunnel.
Donland climbed over the railing, he had difficulty finding a place for his feet, as there were so many men on the deck. A smiling Jackson met him, “I'd not know if I'd see you again,” he said and extended his hand. “I've a bit of wine below.”
Donland took Jackson's hand and clasped him on the shoulder. “Another time Captain Jackson, I prefer a very long drink of cool water.”
“Water it is Captain,” Jackson said and started for the hatchway.
“Mister Jackson,” Donland called, “The water can wait a little longer, we should get underway. This coast is not safe and we need to locate Hornet, set our course to round Culebra. I believe we will intercept her on the other side.”
“Aye, Captain,” Jackson said and then shouted, “All hands to make sail!”
“Captain,” Honest said and held out a mug filled with water. He added, “It is as cold as there is aboard.”